The long-awaited women’s singles semifinal at Rod Laver Arena had a noticeable buzz from crowds who returned to the stands for the first time after a five-day blockade, the result of a small coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne that led the state government to impose Covid 19 containment measures.
Osaka won the match 6-3 and 6-4 to advance to the Australian Open final for the second time. She has won 20 consecutive matches, losing for the last time in February last year.
“I don’t know if there are children here today, but I was a child watching her play,” said Osaka of Williams on the court after the victory. “Just being on the court playing against her is a dream for me.”
Williams, 39, hugged Osaka after the match. She then waved to the crowd as she left, placing her hand over her heart.
Williams was asked at a news conference after the match if the gesture meant farewell.
“I don’t know. If I said goodbye, I wouldn’t tell anyone, then,” she said.
Visibly moved, Williams left the press conference after the next question.
After the press conference, Williams posted the following on Instagram: “Melbourne and my Australian fans – Today was not the ideal result or performance, but it happens … I am very honored to be able to play in front of all of you. Your support – cheers , I just wish I had done better for you today. I am forever indebted and grateful to each of you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. “
Williams’ last major title was at the 2017 Australian Open, when she was eight weeks pregnant. This is his first loss in an Australian Open semifinal, having won 8-0 at that stage of the tournament.
Osaka, the current U.S. Open champion and 2019 Australian Open winner, is undefeated in the Grand Slam semifinals and finals. All of his career titles – including his three majors – came on hard courts. She now has a 3-1 career record against Williams, including when she defeated Williams in the infamous 2018 US Open final.
Osaka is a big favorite in Saturday’s final. She will face Jennifer Brady, 22, from the United States, who defeated Karolina Muchova, 25, from the Czech Republic, 6-4, 3-6 and 6-4 in the second semifinal. In his last meeting, the US Open semifinals five months ago, Osaka defeated Brady 7-6 (1), 3-6, 6-3.
At 25, this will be Brady’s first grand final.
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