Naomi Osaka Battles Past Victoria Azarenka To Lift Her Third Grand Slam Title at US Open 2020

After two long weeks, the curtains came down on the women’s championship of the US Open 2020.  Naomi Osaka battled past Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 to clinch her third Grand Slam title in two years.

The duo was supposed to collide in the finals of the Western and Southern Open. However, Naomi pulled out, owing to discomfort in her left hamstring.

Thankfully, history didn’t repeat itself as Naomi and Azarenka graced the Arthur Ashe stadium for the finals. Both the players were looking forward to their 3rd Grand Slam titles. However, for Naomi, it was the quest for her 2nd US Open, while Azarenka was looking at her maiden US Open title.

The feud was between the young and the experienced. While one was promising and had loads of potential, the other one came in with years of blood, sweat, and tears—a sensational final in terms of entertainment and captivating gameplay.

Azarenka came into the finals riding on a wave of success. Defeating Serena Williams in the semi-finals, she stepped into a major final after 7 years and 5 days. On the other hand, Naomi took three sets to defeat Jennifer Brady in the semi-finals.

Victoria Azarenka takes the first set with ease

Victoria Azarenka exposed her lethal side right at the beginning of the match. Breaking Naomi’s service, she sent a strong message to her opponent. Holding on to her service, she readily made it 2-0.

Both the players held on to their next services to stretch the scores to 2-1. Azarenka again served for the game and took it with ease. Naomi tried to keep her game simple and rally the points. Although, some excellent play from Azarenka saw her break Naomi’s service to lead 4 games to 1.

Azarenka was on a roll as she booked the next two game points to walk away with the set 6-1. Breaking Naomi’s service for the third time in a set, Victoria Azarenka demolished her. Victoria Azarenka had the Midas’ touch today in US Open 2020 finals. Whatever she turned in her favor.

Naomi Osaka swept the second set

The second set started off where it had left. Azarenka continued her lethal demolition against the 22-year-old.

She kept her serve to lead 1-0 in the set. Azarenka extended her lead in the second set by breaking Naomi’s service. Naomi wasn’t ready to let it go without even striking her deadly fangs. She broke Azarenka’s service to reduce the gap between them. The scores read 2-1 in favor of Azarenka.

It was quite evident that Naomi was getting back her rhythm. After breaking Azarenka’s service, she kept her calm to hold on to her service, equalizing for the first time in the finals. Osaka dusted off the rust real quick and flashed some of her brilliance. Her grit and determination resulted in her breaking Azarenka’s service to lead for the first time in the match with 4 games to 3.

Some ferocious backhand play from the 2018 US Open champion saw her leading the game 5-3 as she held on to her service. Azarenka was serving to stay in the set. Either of the players was not ready to give away the game without a fight. After a long feud between the two, Naomi walked away with the game and pocketed the set 6-3.

Osaka wraps up the deciding set

Victoria Azarenka and Naomi Osaka were cautious as the last set was up. Holding on to their service, they shared one game each. Osaka served the second time in the set to stretch her lead before breaking Azarenka’s service to extend the game 3-1 in her favor.

Osaka was serving to go-ahead further in the set. However, Azarenka put up a great fight to go 40-0 up in no time. Although, Naomi struck back to carry the game to deuce and ultimately won it from Azarenka. Naomi was leading 4-1 and was looking comfortable for the Championship win.

Trailing 4 games to 1, Azarenka was serving with the hope to stay in the fight, However, she seemed helpless against Osaka’s lethal returns. The fourth seed was already 40-15 up and was hungry for the break. Azarenka pulled up her socks to extend Naomi’s wait by taking it to deuce. Although Naomi came close to winning the game point, Victoria Azarenka displayed quite a show by claiming the game in her name.

The match was ignited back to life by Victoria Azarenka. She was trailing 4 games to 2 with Naomi serving. She pulled off quite a few stellar shots to stun Naomi and break her service. Reducing the gap to 1 point, Azarenka was serving to equalize the scores.

However, Naomi was not intimidated by Azarenka’s aggression. She held her nerve and soon broke Azarenka’s service to lead 5-3 and serve for the championship.

Serving for the Championship, Osaka finally started feeling the pressure of the big stage. She lost the first point as Azarenka capitalized on her error. It was not enough for Azarenka to come back as Naomi cruised past her taking the set 6-3. Although the wait was extended due to some fascinating display of rallies between them, Osaka’s patience and determination won her the championship.