Naomi Osaka (4) (Japan) v Victoria Azarenka (Belarus)
From the start, Azarenka was focused on the prize; Osaka had no answer to the accuracy and variety of serve, and lethal return of the Japanese delivery.
Osaka was broken in the first game and it was downhill from there. The tennis lesson was complete after Azarenka broke for the third time to take the first set 6-1.
The train wreck continued for Osaka; in set two at 2-0 and game point for 3-0, Azarenka appeared set for a triumph. However she stumbled for the first time and Osaka stepped in. The fourth seed broke serve and consolidated to level at 2-2.
Another break of the Belarusian serve, and suddenly Azarenka was serving at 3-5 to stay in the set. From 40-15 Azarenka eventually lost the game and set, allowing Osaka to serve first in the decider.
Osaka broke for 3-1, but Azarenka had three chances to break back immediately. Those opportunities were obliterated as Osaka won five straight points to lead 4-1.
Azarenka saved four break points to avoid going down 5-1, then Osaka blew a 40-15 lead to eventually be broken and games were back on serve, with Azarenka serving at 3-4. Sadly the break couldn’t be consolidated; Osaka broke again and would serve for the championship.
Naomi Osaka won her second US Open with her second championship point. It was her third major win.
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