Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka kisses the trophy for the US Open winner.
Seth Little, ČTK / AP
–
Osaka, who is eight years younger than her final rival, won the US Open the year before last and won the Australian Open last year. Now she did not enter the finals well, losing the first set 1: 6. “I thought it wouldn’t be good to lose so fast. I just tried to play better and did it,” breathed the Japanese woman, who won the next two sets with a ratio of 6: 3.
She herself admitted that she probably had more work with Azarenka than she had expected. “I wouldn’t want to play another final with her anymore, this was hard,” she said, handing out words of thanks to all parties. “Thanks to the organizers, the WTA, all the people at home, my team. It was an honor to play here. I’m looking forward to more tournaments,” she added.
Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka with a trophy for the US Open winner.
Robert German, Reuters
After the match, she shook hands with her opponent, put down her racket, and only then lay down on the court. “The winner always collapses after the match, but I was always afraid he would get hurt, so I wanted to do it safely,” Osaka explained.
–
Unconventional celebration of Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka after the triumph at the US Open.
Robert German, Reuters
In the ranking, the winning player living and coaching in the USA will move to third place and received a check for three million dollars for the victory, over 67 million crowns. Last year, US Open champions received 850,000 more, but this year the rewards are lower due to the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament was played under strict security measures and without fans.
Azarenka was, of course, sad at the closing ceremony. “I did not manage to win, which I’m sorry. Maybe it will work out next time,” began the defeat of Belarus. “Perhaps I will play some finals against Naomi. Now all I have to do is congratulate her,” she continued, thanking the organizers and the WTA for the chance to play tennis again. “Many thanks to everyone, because it is not easy nowadays. I also thank my team for their support and I look forward to more tournaments,” added the defeated finalist.
–
Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka after winning the singles final at the US Open. Left defeated Belarusian Azarenka with a trophy.
Robert German, Reuters
She last won the title in the final after losing the first set of the Spaniard Arantxa Sánchez Vicari 26 years ago.
– .
