Naomi Osaka Defeats Serena Williams at the Australian Open Semifinals
One step closer to claiming her fourth major title.
Naomi Osaka has defeated tennis legend Serena Williams at the Australian Open semifinals. The 23-year-old athlete won two sets, scoring 6-3 in the first and 6-4 in the second.
Marking her fourth match against Osaka, Williams was on her way to claim her 24th Grand Slam title, which would have put her in a tie with Margaret Court’s record. “It was an honor to play her,” Osaka said after the match. “I was a little kid watching her play, and just to be on the court playing against her for me is a dream.” Afterward, Osaka showed Williams a sign of respect by bowing to her followed by a hug.
As Williams was about to leave the court, she was honored with a standing ovation. She placed her hand over her heart and waved to the crowd as she made her exit. During a press conference, Williams reflected on her moves: “Just made too many mistakes there, easy mistakes… Not like I was on the run or anything, they were just easy, easy mistakes,” she added. Later on, she shared a post on Instagram with the caption: “The smile says it all. This proud mama marches on.”
Now one step closer to her fourth major title, Osaka will go against Jennifer Brady at the finals on February 19.
