New York: Japan's Naomi Osaka on Sunday won her third career Grand Slam title after securing a win over Victoria Azarenka in the final of the US Open.
"I just want to be the type of person that he thought I was going to be. He thought I was going to be great, so hopefully, I will be great in the future."@naomiosaka on Kobe Bryant's belief in her ?? pic.twitter.com/g0T9DwY9Ve
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 13, 2020
Also Read: US Open: Victoria Azarenka ousts Serena Williams, advances to final
Osaka registered a 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 win in the decider over Azarenka. The No. 4 seed and 2018 champion overcame an inspired assault from Azarenka in the opening set to win her third career Grand Slam crown after one hour and 53 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Recalling the differences between Sunday's win and her first in 2018, after the match, Osaka said she is "more of a complete player" now.
this is crazy. pic.twitter.com/r3BBW0Elng
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) September 13, 2020
"I feel like two years ago, I maybe would have folded being down a set and a break. But I think, all the matches that I played in between that time shaped me and made me or forced me to mature more. Especially all the matches that I've played here were very tough," US Open's official website quoted Osaka as saying.
"I think definitely I'm more of a complete player now. I feel like I'm more aware of what I'm doing," she added.
Also Read: Fighting Coco sets up Osaka showdown at U.S. Open
Osaka is now the first Asian player to win three Grand Slam singles titles, breaking the tie she held with China's Li Na. (ANI)
