defeated in three sets, 7-6(2) 5-7 6-4, to win her second Grand Slam title in a row after the 2018 US Open. In press conference, the Japanese player was asked to describe how different was this match compared to the win over Serena.
In New York, most of the crowd was for Serena. Here it felt like they were split a little bit. Yeah, I mean, honestly when I was playing her, and I heard the crowd was for both of us, I was very happy. At the same time I was just trying to focus on playing the match, said Osaka.
On not being able to win the match in straights, the 20-year-old added: I felt like I didnt want to have any regrets. I think if I didnt regroup after the second set, then I would have looked back on this match and probably cried ore something, so…
On receiving the trophy by the Chinese Li Na, Osaka added: I didnt expect to see her there. At first I was very shocked. I wanted to cry a little bit, but I didnt want to cry on this, like, podium. So, yeah, I was really touched.
I just felt really honored, I dont know, that she was giving me this trophy. Osaka said she made a huge effort to win the match: Now Im just so tired. I dont know how anyone is awake right now. Maybe the next day Ill think about it more.
But for me, I dont know, like I still feel very shocked. Like, I felt like the match wasnt completely done, but it was done, you know? Its one of those moments where youre fighting so hard. When its finally over, youre still in the state of, like, competitiveness, so..
I just thought to myself that this is my second time playing a final. I cant really act entitled. ALSO READ: Djokovic would beat Roger Federer in Australian Open final – Evert
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