MELBOURNE, Australia – Once again, Serena Williams reached a record 24th individual Grand Slam title, playing well enough on Thursday to reach the final days of a grand tournament. And once again, Williams couldn’t finish it as she was defeated 6-3, 6-4 by Naomi Osaka in the semifinals of the Australian Open.
Osaka, the No. 3 seed in the tournament, will attempt its fourth major championship on Saturday when it faces No. 25 seed Karolina Muchova or No. 22 American Jennifer Brady.
Osaka, 23, joined two more players to win each of his first two major meetings against Williams. Williams’ sister Venus won her first three major meetings at the 1998 Australian Open, the 2000 Wimbledon and the 2001 US Open. The other is Jennifer Capriati at the French Open. 2001 and 2001 Wimbledon, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
“I don’t know if there are small children here outside today, but I was a small child watching her play and just being on the field playing against her for me is a dream,” Osaka said during a track interview after of victory. “And I think the most important thing I’ve learned over the years is that you’re a competitor, you’re playing against another competitor, and that’s the most fun because tennis is a game.”
Williams took the first two games before Osaka took control with a five-game run. Osaka broke Williams to start the second set and was on his way.
Williams ’first hand was offside throughout the game and ended with 24 unforced errors and only 12 wins.
Spectators returned to the stands of Rod Laver Arena on Thursday after being banned from attending the tournament for five days during a local COVID-19 closing. About 7,000 people were allowed to enter the stadium via Williams-Osaka, about half its capacity.
The ushers walked down the aisles during the shifts to remind fans that they had to wear masks or cover their noses and mouths.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.