Japanese Naomi Osaka followed up her US Open triumph with a beautiful victory in Melbourne, outlasting two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova to win her second Grand Slam title and the battle for World No.1 at the 2019 Australian Open.
The US Open winner, 21-year-old, shed tears after missing three championship points in the second set but regrouped to win 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-4. and extend her Grand Slam match winning streak to 14 straight - and became the first maiden major champion to win two in a row since Jennifer Capriati in 2001 - after two hours and 27 minutes on Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne, Australia.
The fourth seed broke for 2-1 in the decider, then served out the win.
Eighth seed Czech Petra Kvitova, 28, was bidding for her first major title since being stabbed in a knife attack in 2016,
"Erm, hello. Sorry, public speaking isn't my strong point so I hope I can get through this," Naomi said.
"I read notes before this but I still forgot what I was meant to say. Thank you everyone, I am really honoured to have played in this final."
"I wouldn't have wanted this to be our first match, but huge congratulations to you and your team," she told the Czech Kvitova.
"You are amazing and I am honoured to have played you in a Grand Slam final."
Naomi Osaka ascends to WTA World No.1 ranking.
Naomi Osaka will become the women's singles 26th WTA World No.1 on Monday following her Australian Open victory.
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