The long-awaited women’s singles semifinal at Rod Laver Arena had a notable noise from the crowds returning to the stands for the first time after a five-day closure, the result of a small outbreak of coronavirus in Melbourne that went lead the state government to impose the Covid 19 containment 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 games in a row, losing for the last time in February last year.
“I don’t know if there are small children here, but I was a small child watching her play,” Osaka said of Williams on the court after the win. “Just being on the court playing against her for me is a dream.”
Williams, 39, hugged Osaka after the match. Then he signaled to the crowd as he was leaving, placing a hand on his heart.
Williams was asked at a post-match press conference if the gesture meant goodbye.
“I don’t know. If I ever say goodbye, I wouldn’t tell anyone,” he said.
Visibly emotional, 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 has not been the ideal result or performance, but it happens … I am very honored to be able to play in front of all of you. Your support – Greetings, I just wish I could have done better today. I am indebted forever and I am grateful to each and every one of you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I adore you. “
Williams ’last major title was at the 2017 Australian Open, when she was eight weeks pregnant. This is his first defeat in a semi-final of the Australian Open, having previously gone 8-0 at this stage of the tournament.
Osaka, the reigning U.S. Open champion and winner of the 2019 Australian Open, are undefeated in the semifinals and Grand Slam finals. All the titles of his career, including his three majors, have come out on difficult tracks. He now has a 3-1 career record against Williams, even when he defeated Williams in the infamous 2018 US Open final.
Osaka is the favorite for Saturday’s final. He will face No. 22 seed Jennifer Brady of the United States, who defeated No. 25 seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the second semifinal. . In their last meeting, the semifinals of the U.S. Open five months ago, Osaka defeated Brady 7-6 (1), 3-6, 6-3.
At 25, this will be Brady’s first grand finale.
.Source
Related