Naomi Osaka dominates opening set - Serena must fight back to win US Open final
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Updated 08/09/2018 at 20:58 GMT
Naomi Osaka of Japan stormed through the opening set of the US Open final leaving Serena Williams stunned in her pursuit of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title.
Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts during her Women's Singles finals match against Serena Williams of the United States on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Image credit: Getty Images
The 20-year-old showed no signs of nerves at all as she crushed winners from the back of the court to take it 6-2 - and Williams looked a subdued figure in comparison.
Osaka, seeded 20th and playing in her first Grand Slam final, was not overwhelmed by the showpiece occasion on Arthur Ashe and with the American fans desperate for a famous Serena triumph.
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Serena Williams of the United States returns the ball during her Women's Singles finals match against Naomi Osaka of Japan on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Image credit: Getty Images
The Japanese starlet thrived from the baseline as she dictated rallies and ensured that her 36-year-old idol on the other end of the court had the bulk of the running to do.
Williams will have to fight back from a set down if she is to secure the elusive first Slam since she gave birth and complete what would be a famous comeback in her illustrious career.
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Serena Williams of the United States and Naomi Osaka of Japan pose for a photo with Billie Jean King prior to the Women's Singles finals match on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Image credit: Getty Images
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