The highly anticipated semifinal for women at Rod Laver Arena had a remarkable buzz from the crowds returning to the stands for the first time after a five-day blockade, the result of a small outbreak of coronavirus in Melbourne that prompted the state government to impose Covid 19 insulation measures.
Osaka won the match 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the Australian Open final for the second time. He has now won 20 consecutive matches, the last losing in February last year.
“I don’t know if there are small children out here today, but I was a small child watching her play,” Osaka said of Williams on the field after the victory. “Just being on the field playing against her is a dream for me.”
Williams, 39, hugged Osaka after the game. Then he motioned to the crowd as he left, placing a hand over his heart.
Williams was asked at a post-match press conference if the gesture meant goodbye.
“I don’t know. If I ever said goodbye, I wouldn’t tell anyone,” she said.
Visibly moved, Williams left the press conference after the next question.
After the press conference, Williams posted the following on Instagram: “Melbourne and my Australian fans – Today was not the ideal result or performance, but it happens … I am so honored to be able to play in front of you. Your support – cheers I wish I could have done better for you today. I am forever indebted and grateful to all of you alone. I love you. I love you. I love you. I adore you. “
Williams’ last major title was at the Australian Open in 2017, when she was eight weeks pregnant. This is her first loss in a semi-final of the Australian Open, which she had previously won 8-0 in that tournament.
Osaka, the reigning US Open champion and winner of the 2019 Australian Open, is undefeated in the grand slam semifinals and finals. All of his career titles – including the three major ones – have come on difficult terrain. He now has a 3-1 career record against Williams, including when he defeated Williams in the infamous 2018 US Open final.
Osaka is the heavyweight favorite in Saturday’s final. She will face seed no. 22, Jennifer Brady, from the United States, who defeated seed no. 25, Karolina Muchova, from the Czech Republic with 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the second semifinal. In their last meeting, in the semifinals of the US Open, five months ago, Osaka defeated Brady 7-6 (1), 3-6, 6-3.
At 25, this will be Brady’s first major final.
.Source
Related