Gallery: The story in pictures of the 2019 Australian Open women’s final

Naomi Osaka spotlight

Naomi Osaka and Petra Kvitova delivered an intriguing and absorbing final at the 2019 Australian Open, and we’ve gathered all the best snaps together from it.

The setting was, as ever, stunning.

Aided, as usual, by another beautiful Melbourne sunset.

There was much fanfare, as the trophy itself was serenaded.

And after some formalities it was time to get going.

Naomi Osaka and Petra Kvitova

Naomi Osaka looked confident she had time on her side.

Naomi Osaka

And a giant even more confident winking woman, apparently.

Naomi Osaka AO

But after a tight first set, Kvitova started to wane.

Petra Kvitova dejected

But just when Osaka looked like she had it won – at 5-3 up with two match points, Kvitova roared back and took it into a decider.

Petra Kvitova roar

Much to Osaka’s disbelief!

Naomi Osaka frustrated

But just as you thought the Japanese star had crumbled…

Naomi Osaka Australian Open trophy

The spotlight was hers again, and richly deserved.

Naomi Osaka spotlight


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