But the Japanese star, a four-time major-winner at the age of just 23, insisted America’s Serena Williams, 39, who has 23 Slam crowns, remains the face of the women’s game.
Japan’s Osaka Naomi with the Australian Open women’s singles trophy at Government House in Melbourne yesterday. Pic/AFP
Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka said she felt comfortable being a role model for the next generation after her fourth Grand Slam victory solidified her position at the forefront of a new era for tennis. But the Japanese star, a four-time major-winner at the age of just 23, insisted America’s Serena Williams, 39, who has 23 Slam crowns, remains the face of the women’s game.
Osaka beat America’s Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3 in the Australian Open final on Saturday to win her fourth Slam from the last eight in which she has played, and extend her year-plus winning streak to 21 matches. She joins Monica Seles and Roger Federer in winning her first four major finals, and will move up to second in the world rankings.
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Osaka brushed aside Williams in the semis, after also beating her in the 2018 US Open final to win her first major. But when asked if she was taking over from Williams as the game’s leading light, she replied: “No, not at all,” adding that she just wanted to remain true to herself. “I’ve learnt on-and-off court it’s okay to not be sure about yourself. I’m more at peace with where I am and just happy to be playing a Grand Slam in a pandemic.” After winning her second Australian Open title, Osaka spent a long time signing autographs for fans in a gesture widely applauded on social media.
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