ITF

U S O P E N Osaka's sun rises Groundbreaker makes history by becoming first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title. By Ross McLean IT IS OFTEN SAID THAT THE MOMENT OF GREATNESS IS RARELY AS ENVISAGED, AND IT IS DOUBTFUL WHETHER THAT WAY OF THINKING has ever been more applicable than during Naomi Osaka's trailblazing triumph at the US Open. While all around her composure was lost, Osaka kept her cool to overpower former world No. 1, 23-time Grand Slam winner and home favourite Serena Williams to become the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title. She also continued the trend of first-time Grand Slam victors in 2018, with three of the four majors in the women's game – Osaka followed in the footsteps of Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki and Roland Garros conqueror Simona Halep – being claimed by those without a top gong on their CV previously. The last time such a pattern occurred was 2011. Her victory at Flushing Meadows was an outstanding success for Osaka, who adopted an aggressive and forthright approach to prevail 62 64 against her childhood idol on the hardcourts of New York. Nothing should overshadow the then-20-year-old's achievement, which was classy and serene, although as she pulled her visor down to cover her tear-filled eyes at the trophy presentation, it was hard to imagine it had not been tainted. A series of on-court outbursts from Williams, who was bidding to equal Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, had dominated proceedings as she clashed with umpire Carlos Ramos and was a picture of frustration. The then 36-year-old received two code violations; the first after Ramos interpreted a gesture from her trainer Patrick Mouratoglou as coaching and the second for a racquet smash. The six-time US Open champion was docked a point and then a game as Osaka prevailed in the most testing of circumstances, although Williams was magnanimous as she congratulated 20th seed Osaka at the net. "I'm sorry it had to end like this," said Osaka, before regaining her poise. "It was always my dream to play Serena in the US Open finals so I am really glad I was able to do that." Osaka was imperious throughout the US Open and only dropped one set during the entire competition, which came in her fourth round showdown with Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. 36 ITFWorld // WINTER 2018

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