Naomi Osaka has achieved the title of the Australian Open, two consecutive win in a row since the US Open last year. She is the first woman to achieve her maiden grand slam title by winning back to back since Jennifer Capriati of the United States in 2001.
The Japanese prodigy claimed her first Open crown and the world No.1 ranking with a steely 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-4 victory over gallant Czech Petra Kvitova in Saturday night's winner-takes-all showdown at Melbourne Park.
Public viewing is held in Federation Square, Melbourne every summer during the Australian Open is on. On a warm Saturday night, a huge crowd of Melbournians and tourists came to witness the historical moment of Womens Tennis.
The moment Osaka won the final set, the crowd was screaming, chanting, jumping up and down to share the moment. A Japanese fan was even bursting to tears.
"I'm beyond excited to become the new WTA world No.1," Osaka said.
(C) Ben Solomon/Tennis Australia Source: Ben Solomon / Tennis Australia
Beautiful sunset and AO Womens Final 2019, Federation Square, 26 January 2019 Source: SBS Japanese
Crowd Watching Australian Open Womens Final at Federation Square, 26 January 2019 Source: SBS Japanese
Fans of Naomi Osaka Source: SBS Japanese
"I've always dreamt of being in this position."
Ranked 72nd this time last year, Osaka is also the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to land successive majors, backing up her stunning breakthrough over the American superstar in last year's US Open final with a stylish encore at Rod Laver Arena.
But Osaka's latest triumph almost never happened, with the temperamental young talent threatening to mentally unravel after blowing three match points in a row with Kvitova serving at 3-5 and love-40 down in the second set.
All up, Osaka lost 18 of 22 points to gift Kvitova a lifeline back into the final.
But Asia's new sporting superstar regained her cool to take the deciding set, the match, the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup and the $4.1 million winner's cheque after two hours and 27 minutes.
"I just thought to myself that this is my second time playing a (grand slam) final. I can't really act entitled," Osaka said.
"To be playing against one of the best players in the world, to lose a set, suddenly think that I'm so much better than her, that that isn't a possibility.
"Yeah, I wanted to enjoy my time here. Last year I lost in the fourth round. Now this year I was in the final, so I wanted to be happy about that, just basically have no regrets about today.
"I can't let myself act immature in a way. I should be grateful to be here and that is what I tried to be."
Kvitova hadn't dropped a set in storming into her first grand-slam final since landing her second Wimbledon crown in 2014.
But she fell victim to Osaka's fearless stand-and-deliver groundstrokes in a big-hitting and compelling final.
The 28-year-old also had the chance to capture the world's top ranking, but was gracious in defeat.
Just 25 months ago doctors feared Kvitova would never play again after being stabbed and having her left playing hand - which she described as her "greatest gift" - shredded in a violent attack in her own home.
"This is crazy. I cannot believe I just played the final of a grand slam again," she said.
"So it was a great final. Well done, Naomi ... and congrats for being No.1 as well."
(C) Ben Solomon / Tennis Australia Source: Ben Solomon / Tennis Australia
Kei Nishikori, who was beaten by Men's Winner Novak Djokovic,also cheered Osaka's win.
Osaka says she now has an eye on winning the next tournaments, Indiana Wells Masters and Miami Open in March.
