Naomi Osaka holds off Madison Keys to reach maiden Grand Slam final
Naomi Osaka won the battle of power-hitting against Madison Keys to reach the 2018 US Open final.
While the score was a pretty lopsided 6-2, 6-4 in favour of the Japanese player, several points turned into slugfests as both players went for their shots.
The dream run continues for @Naomi_Osaka_!
She becomes the first Japanese woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open era after defeating Keys 6-2, 6-4!#USOpen pic.twitter.com/7kKVkKZupe
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2018
Keys came out hard in the fourth game of the opening set and raced to 0-40 lead to earn three break points, but Osaka fought them off, and a fourth one, to hold serve.
The 20-year-old then turned the tables in the next game as she broke and, after backing it up with her own serve, claimed the double break as Keys started to misfire.
Osaka was in charge early on in the second set with a break in the opening game and Keys then threw the kitchen sink at her in the next game as she had six break points, but again the Japanese player held off the challenge.
The American continued to ask question over the next few games, but Osaka had answers for everything and got over the finish line in one hour and 27 minutes.
First-time Grand Slam finalist Osaka, the first Japanese woman to reach the final, will face Serena Williams in Saturday’s showpiece match after the American beat Anastasija Sevastova in straight sets.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Tennis NewsVenus Williams explains backstory behind photo with Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova at Met Gala
Just Venus, Serena and Maria enjoying a laugh in the bathroom at the Met Gala.
-
News‘I think it’s gradually sinking in a bit more,’ says Emma Raducanu after ‘whirlwind experience’
The teenager took part in a round of breakfast TV and radio interviews.
-
WTA Tour‘People are talking about tennis again,’ revels Boris Becker after ‘Dame Emma Raducanu’s’ heroics
Boris Becker waxes lyrical about Emma Raducanu.
-
Tennis NewsTennis to introduce ‘Stefanos Tsitsipas bathroom break rule’ following Greek’s lengthy loo visits?
Stricter rules on the cards following furore over Stefanos Tsitsipas’ loo breaks.
-
Tennis NewsLTA chief insists Emma Raducanu will not lose focus after stunning rise to the top
Lloyd has called for the newly-crowned US Open champion to be given “breathing space”.
-
Tennis NewsEmma Raducanu delighted to return back in the UK and reunite with her father
Raducanu was pictured outside her house after travelling back from New York.
-
Kevin PalmerIntroducing Wilson’s Blade v8 racket Emma Raducanu could use at the Australian Open
Emma Raducanu is set to be wielding a new-look weapon when he plays at the Australian Open in January.
-
Tennis NewsShock defeat for Andy Murray as he is beaten in Rennes
The Russian is ranked 42 places below Murray.
-
Tennis NewsJohn McEnroe speaks for the first time about comments over Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon exit
John McEnroe has insisted he has no regrets over his Emma Raducanu comments.
-
Tennis NewsStunning TV figures for US Open finals confirm appeal of Emma Raducanu
TV viewing figures confirm that more tuned in to watch the US Open women’s final than the men’s final.