She got it by beating a rejuvenated Victoria Azarenka 1-6; 6-3; 6-3. After trailing by a set and nearly 3-0; but she left New York as much more than just a fabulous tennis player. Indeed, Osaka has combined her prowess on the court with raising awareness for racial injustice. As in her six previous matches at this US Open, Osaka wore a mask Saturday entering the court bearing the name of a black person killed in an incident involving police. This time she honoured Tamir Rice; a 12-year old who was fatally shot by a police officer in Cleveland in 2014.
And all this at the youthful age of 22. Some might have been overwhelmed by taking so much on their young shoulders but judging by what happened on the court in New York, not Osaka. After Azarenka’s backhand found the net on a second match point, Osaka let out a deep breath and looked skywards. Her second US open crown was a moment that deserved to be celebrated with fans, but none were found on the Arthur Ash Stadium, understandably, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Moments later, Osaka lay down on the court and once again looked up above.Â
Already the highest-paid female athlete in the world according to Forbes, one would understand if even more sponsors lined up for the Japanese’s signature. She is the first women’s player to tally three majors under the age of 23 since Maria Sharapova- who was the highest-paid athlete for a decade – she did it in 2008. On the way to more? Sharapova ended her career with five grand slam titles. Osaka could be on the way to even more. The defeat is sure to sting Azarenka, especially with the lead she held, but the last month has marked her renaissance.Â
The 31-year old former No.1 has said that she thought about leaving tennis after enduring a custody battle and dealing with injuries. But after not winning a match for a year, she triumphed at the warmup Western & Southern Open at the same site as the US Open – Osaka withdrew from the final with a hamstring injury – and then made her first Grand Slam final in seven years. There was also Azarenka’s first win over Serena Williams at a major in Thursday’s dramatic semi-finals. The straight-talking Belarusian had spoken during the tournament about how lessening her ego has helped her grow as a player and a person. “I could continue to stay on my high horse, or I could just change it and learn from that…” said Azarenka on Thursday during the pre-match presser. She was bidding to become the first mom to win a major since Belgium international Kim Clijsters in 2011.
To sum up this game Azarenka really didn’t seem to match Osaka for power. Osaka likes to stay aggressive and she always seems to go a gear up, it’s a gear few have.Â
What was nice to see was when the 22-year old Osaka dedicated her win to the NBA great who passed away in Helicopter accident in January Kobe Bryant. Taking significant inspiration from the former Lakers star she said she hopes her action both in and out of professional sport would have been endorsed by many.Â
“The quarantine definitely gave me a chance to think a lot about things, what I want to accomplish, what I want people to remember me by. I came into this tournament with that mindset. I think it definitely helps me out.”
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