Osaka Defeats Kvitova To Win Australian Open Title

By: Francis Joseph

21-year-old Naomi Osaka became the first Asian player to be ranked No.1 in the ATP rankings following her 7-6 5-7 6-4 victory in the Australian Open final over Petra Kvitova.

The first set of the final was fiercely competitive as both players just couldn't break the other's serve. In the tie break, Osaka got the minibreak and consolidated on it. She raced to a 5-1 lead before winning the tie break 7-6.

This was the first set the Czech international had lost in the past couple of weeks.

Kvitova started strong in the 2nd set and broke Osaka's serve to take a 2-0 lead. However, the 21-year-old struck back, breaking her opponent's serve twice and reached a juncture where she was serving for the championship at 5-4. However, Kvitova dug deep to win three games in a row to Osaka seemingly lost her head after the first break to take the 2nd set 7-5.

Osaka who has a superb record in 3-setters (winning 7 of her last 8 matches that went to the 3rd set), took the early lead, breaking Kvitova's first service game. She raised her game and the south paw just couldn't find her way back. The Japanese star once again served for the championship at 5-4 and this time she made no mistake. She started off with an ace and saw out the game with ease.

She is the youngest No.1 since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010. She has won back-to-back Grand slams following her US Open victory in September last year.

Also she is now the first player since Jennifer Capriati to win a back to back Slam title after their maiden Slam title.