Japan is celebrating its first ever Grand Slam tennis win after Naomi Osaka's US Open win over Serena Williams 6‑2 6‑4 at Flushing Meadows.
Osaka stayed calm as Williams went into meltdown after the umpire imposed a series of penalties.
From boos to cheers. An emotional and powerful moment for Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams at the US Open podium. (🔊⬆️) pic.twitter.com/oTg6SORjXe
— ESPN (@espn) September 8, 2018
She was later in tears waiting to be given her trophy as the partisan crowd booed the match officials.
The 20‑year‑old was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and a Haitian father but was raised in the US.
大坂なおみ選手、全米オープンの優勝、おめでとうございます。四大大会で日本選手初のチャンピオン。この困難な時にあって、日本中に、元気と感動をありがとう。 pic.twitter.com/Myw3yG1A7J
— 安倍晋三 (@AbeShinzo) September 8, 2018
Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe congratulated Osaka on Twitter, thanking her for "giving Japan a boost of inspiration at this time of hardship" ‑ an apparent reference to last week's Hokkaido earthquake in northern Japan that killed more than 20 people.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic will meet Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in the mens’ U.S Open final at 8am tomorrow.
Sixth seed Djokovic, a two‑time champion at Flushing Meadows, will compete in his eighth US Open final.
[Source:BBC Sports]
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