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CHAMPION! Naomi Osaka wins Australian Open, becomes world no.1

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Naomi Osaka

Fourth seed Naomi Osaka has emerged as the champion of the Women’s Singles category at the 2019 Australian Open after beating eighth seed Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday.

The duo, who have never met before since the beginning of their playing careers, played out a thrilling encounter in Melbourne as Osaka carried the day 6-4 (7-2) 5-7 7-6.

The 21-year-old Japanese successfully made it a back-to-back Grand Slam victory, having won her maiden major title last year at the US Open defeating Serena Williams in the final.

She becomes the first player since American Jennifer Capriati in 2001 to follow her maiden Grand Slam title with another, and will now replace Simona Halep as world number one in the next WTA rankings.

“I want to thank everyone, you make this tournament possible. Thanks to my team. I don’t think I would have made it through this week without you. Behind a tennis player is always a great team so thank you,” the champions said.

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“I read notes before this but I still forgot what I was meant to say! Thank you everyone, I am really honoured to have played in this final.

“I wouldn’t have wanted this to be our first match but huge congratulations to you [Kvitova] and your team. You are amazing and I am honoured to have played you in a Grand Slam final.”

28-year-old Kvitova, who was bidding for her first major title since being stabbed in a knife attack in 2016, thanked everyone for their support.

“It has been a great tournament for me,” she said.

“Of course I need to thank my family and friends. They were supporting me throughout. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. I always love to come back and play here.

“And to my team, thank you for everything. But mostly, thank you for sticking with me even though we didn’t know if I was able to hold a racquet again.

“You were supporting me every single day and staying positive for me which I really needed. It wasn’t easy so thank you so much. Hopefully we’ll be healthy and we’ll see you next year.”

 

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