MELBOURNE, January 26, 2019

Naomi Osaka is the women’s champion of the 2019 Australian Open. The 21-year-old from Japan fought past Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic in Saturday’s singles final 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-4.

Osaka, who followed up her US Open triumph last summer, sent down nine aces and broke her opponent’s serve three times to prevail after two hours and 27 minutes.

After receiving the trophy from former Australian Open champion Li Na, Osaka said: “Public speaking isn’t really my strong side so I just hope I can get through this.

“Huge congrats to you Petra. I’ve always wanted to play you. I wouldn’t have wanted this to be our first match but I’m hugely honoured to have played you.

“Thank you everyone and I’m really honoured to have played in this final.”

Osaka will be the new World No. 1 in the WTA-Rankings released on Monday.

Kvitova said: “I can’t really believe I played the final of a Grand Slam again. It was a great final, well done Naomi. You really played well, congrats for being number one as well.

“To my team, thank you for everything. but mostly thank you for sticking with me even though we didn’t know if I would be able to hold the racket again. For supporting me and staying positive for me, which I really needed.”

Twilight attendance:

25,482