On 18th February, Serena Williams faced Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals of the Australian Open. Both players were in incredible form coming into the match, and their battle was destined to be a competitive one. In the end, it was Osaka who won 6-3, 6-4
Serena Williams vs Naomi Osaka
Serena started off the first set in the best way possible as she broke Osaka for a 2-0 lead. However, this lead didn’t last long as the Japanese star broke back.
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She would go on to break her again to take a commanding 5-2 lead in the set. She went on to serve out the set 6-3 to gain the upper hand in the match.
Moving into the second set, this time it was Osaka who drew first blood. She broke Serena in the very first game and held to take a 2-0 lead.
Serena did manage to break back later in the set, but eventually, Osaka broke again to serve for the set. She finished it off very easily at 6-3, 6-4.
Serena’s first Slam loss to a Top-3 player in years
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Serena’s loss against Osaka marks the first time in years that she has lost to a Top-3 player in the Grand Slams. The last time this happened was way back in 2007 during the US Open when she lost to Justine Henin.
Since then, the American had a perfect record against Top-3 players in Slams until recently. Her loss against Osaka came at the worst time possible, as she was hoping to win a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam title.
Over the last 3 years, the American star has been trying to achieve this but has had no luck. It appears that she will have to wait even longer, as her next opportunity to do so will only be at Roland Garros.
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Hopefully, she will finally achieve her goal on the French clay in June.