An out-of-body experience: Naomi Osaka on defeating Serena Williams in US Open final

An out-of-body experience: Naomi Osaka on defeating Serena Williams in US Open final

Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka 1

Naomi Osaka (left) with Serena Williams at 2018 US Open final.

Playing against a legend like Serena Williams is a moment of pride, let alone defeating her. However, not only Naomi Osaka played against the 38-year old icon, she thrashed Serena at the grandest stage. Two years ago, the 22-year old Japanese clinched the match from the American at the US Open Final 6-2, 6-4.

It was Osaka’s and Japan’s first-ever Grand Slam in tennis history. In a recent interview with TIME, Naomi Osaka shared how she felt after winning the final.

Feels crazy: Naomi Osaka on win over Serena

Naomi Osaka wants to come out of the shadow of her role model and create her own legacy.

When asked of her feeling after winning the final, the Japanese replied, “It feels really crazy. You grow up watching them and seeing them as your opponent is just surreal.

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“I really feel that I dreamed of that moment and it to become a reality, was an out-of-body experience.”

Osaka further added, “It doesn’t matter which sport you play, you’re compared to the person that is most similar to you. In my case, it was always Serena. I want to be that good a player so that I can carve my own legacy.”

The match was marred with the controversy due to the ill-behaviour of the 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. Serena has various altercations with chair umpire Carlos Ramos during the course of the match. It led to Serena getting one-game penalty after several code violations. However, later, the American apologised Naomi Osaka for spoiling her moment and said that she was indeed a terrific player.

After a long break due to the pandemic, the second Major of the year is beginning from 31st August. Naomi Osaka will look to win her second title in New York and third Grand Slam overall. However, she will again have to overcome her role model Serena Williams to boost her chances. There is not much of a difference in world rankings of these two athletes. While, currently Serena is at 9th position, Osaka is just a rung below at 10th. So if by any chance they meet each other at any stage of the tournament, expect it to be a cracker-jacker of a match.

Read: Naomi Osaka will play in next month’s US Open