Tennis Panorama

Tennis News and Information, Tournament Coverage and Features

Tennis Panorama News

Tennis news and information, tournament coverage and features

You are here: Home / Features / Naomi Osaka Holds Off Petra Kvitova to Claim Australian Open Title and No. 1 Ranking

Naomi Osaka Holds Off Petra Kvitova to Claim Australian Open Title and No. 1 Ranking

by

Naomi Osaka Holds Off Petra Kvitova to Claim Australian Open Title and No. 1 Ranking

(January 26, 2019) A year ago she was No. 72 in the world and on Saturday night, she became No. 1.

Naomi Osaka became the first woman since Jennifer Capriati in 2001 to win her first two straight major finals when she defeated 8th seed Petra Kvitova 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-4 for the Australian Open title. The 21-year-old Japanese woman won the US Open back in September.
The last woman to win two straight majors was Serena Williams in 2015.

 

Osaka had three chances in the second set to close out the match, having three break points on the Czech’s serve in the ninth game at 0-40. Kvitova won the next five points to stop her opponent. Osaka could not close out the match, serving at 5-4 and Kvitova won the next three games to level the match.

Osaka’s victory moves her up to No. 1 in the world, becoming the first Asian to reach the top spot in the rankings. Kvitova has also reached a career high of No. 2 by being a finalist.

It’s been a long road back for Kvitova, who didn’t know if she would ever play tennis again, after a home invasion in late 2016 left her left had seriously injured, doubtful if she would ever get to play tennis again.

This was the Czech’s first major final since she won the 2014 Wimbledon title.

“I wanted to win and have the trophy,” Kvitova said to media. But I think I already won two years ago. So for me, it’s amazing.”

“You’ve been through so much and honestly I wouldn’t have wanted this to be our first match,” Osaka said to Kvitova during the trophy ceremony. “You’re really amazing and I’m honored to have played you in the final of a Grand Slam.”

“I’m beyond excited to become the new WTA World No.1,” said Osaka to the WTA. “I’ve always dreamt of being in this position and I am honored to be part of the elite group of players who have reached the No.1 ranking.”

Osaka is he youngest No. 1 since Caroline Wozniacki, who was 20 when she ascended to the top spot in 2010.

 

Osaka has extended her streak of matches won when claiming the first set to sixty.

This marks only the third career tournament that Osaka has won on any level, all wonas a pro. Her titles – 2018 Indian Wells, 2018 US Open and 2019 Australian Open.

 

More to follow……

 

 

ALL-TIME WTA WORLD NO.1 PLAYERS

Share