Naomi Osaka survives Petra Kvitova surge to claim Australian Open title

Naomi Osaka beat Petra Kvitova to win the Australian Open title and claim the world number one spot – but she was made to really battle for it.
The Japanese star backed up her US Open crown by claiming her second successive Grand Slam in Melbourne in an absorbing contest.
The first set was very tight as serves dominated before Osaka won it on a tiebreak.
She looked like she was going to cruise to victory in the second two, before the wheels inexplicably fell off.
Leading 5-3 and with two match points, Osaka uncharacteristically crumbled, losing three games on the bounce to surrender the second set.
However, her wobble did not last long, and she was able to wrestle the momentum back from Kvitova in the decider before closing out a 7-6 5-7 6-4 win.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Pat Cash: British tennis blew a big chance to capitalise on Andy Murray’s success
-
-
Exclusive: Mats Wilander gives his verdict on rising superstar Stefanos Tsitsipas to Tennis365
-
Comment: Alexander Zverev’s disdain for Stefanos Tsitsipas sows the seeds of great rivalry
-
Super-coach Patrick Mouratoglou opens up the impact he has had on Serena Williams
-
Latest
-
News
Andy Murray out of Open Sud de France after losing to Egor Gerasimov
Britain’s two-time Wimbledon champion, still working his way back to form after undergoing hip surgery two years ago, went down 7-6 (8) 6-1.
-
Australian Open
Boris Becker ‘impressed’ by Nick Kyrgios, insists Australian has talent to ‘win Wimbledon at least once’
Boris Becker doffs his hat to Nick Kyrgios.
-
News
Fit-again Johanna Konta falls at the first hurdle in Adelaide as she loses against Shelby Rogers
The British No 1 has recovered from an abdominal injury.
-
WTA Tour
Ashleigh Barty insists there is ‘extra pressure’ over world No 1 ranking battle with Naomi Osaka
“Extra pressure is non-existent for me,” says Barty.
-
ATP Tour
Jamie Murray explains why Novak Djokovic’s NBA-style bubble idea would be difficult to pull off in tennis
“That’s obviously very difficult,” says Jamie Murray.
-
Grand Slam
Boris Becker hails Novak Djokovic’s ‘tactical masterclass’ and explains how Serb outwitted Daniil Medvedev
Novak Djokovic “messed up” Daniil Medvedev’s rhythm.
-
Wimbledon
Spectators set to return for Wimbledon 2021 as Tim Henman outlines plans
Spectators look set to be in attendance at Wimbledon.
-
News
Andy Murray reveals he could not bring himself to watch the Australian Open
Murray set for first ATP Tour event of 2021.
-
News
Novak Djokovic to prioritise Grand Slams as he closes in on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
The Serbian is two major titles behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic to ‘take some time off to heal’ as he reveals abdominal ‘damage is bigger’
Novak Djokovic confirms injury worsened.