“Was Really Nervous and Scared”: Naomi Osaka Reflects on Her Blowout Victory at Australian Open 2021

Naomi Osaka raced to a straight-set victory after a slow start against Ons Jabeur in the 3rd round of the Australian Open 2021. Osaka extended her win streak to 17 matches and Grand Slam match win streak to 10 matches.

In her post-match interview, Osaka revealed she was worried about Ons Jabeur’s drop shots. But in the end, she was happy to play well in front of the fans at John Cain Arena.

“For me it was really fun, I don’t know I was really nervous and scared because I didn’t know she was going to hit a drop shot on any ball so I felt kind of rushed. But I hope that you guys enjoyed the match and thanks for coming out today.”

Naomi Osaka vs Ons Jabeur: First Set

Osaka had a slow start as she was consecutively tested in her opening service games. The Japanese ace started the match with a 7-minute long hold. Jabeur was serving well and quickly finished her service games.

Having already saved break points in her opening game, Osaka had an 11-minute service game at 1-1, which she was just able to scrape through.

The first 5 games were difficult for Osaka, as she had a high number of errors and long service games. But leading 3-2, Osaka broke Jabeur to lead 4-2. Jabeur had a rough game, which started with two double faults.

Yet Osaka and Jabeur traded two more service games in quick succession. Osaka served for the set at 5-3 and sealed it with an error from Jabeur.

An easy second set for Osaka

The second set started off cautiously. But the first break came in the favor of Osaka, who broke Jabeur at 1-1, courtesy of some strong winners. That was a blip from Jabeur, who still fancied a chance in the match. She was still pushing Osaka and had a break point trailing at 3-2.

But Osaka held on to lead 4-2. From here on out, Jabeur’s rhythm was disrupted, and she was broken again, thus giving Osaka the chance to serve for the match at 5-2. And Osaka had a love service game to win the match 6-3, 6-2.

Osaka’s next match against former World No.1 Garbine Muguruza will be interesting to see. Osaka hasn’t really been tested at the Australian Open this year, and Muguruza is in fiery form. Who would win next, Muguruza or Osaka?

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