Tennis news - Martina Navratilova leads tributes to Australian Open champion 'Superstar' Naomi Osaka

The Japanese beat Petra Kvitova 7-6(2) 5-7 6-4 in Melbourne on Saturday.

Following an extraordinary match, the 18-times Grand Slam champion lauded “superstar” Osaka and her incredible rise to the top of her game.

Meanwhile others praised both finalists, after Petra Kvitova defended three match points in the second set after losing the first, to end up taking the match to a third and deciding set.

It is Osaka’s second slam victory, having beat Serena Williams in last year’s US Open under controversial circumstances, leading to delight that she would finally get her moment in the spotlight. She also becomes the first Japanese player to reach world No 1.