Serena Williams vs Naomi Osaka - as it happened: Japanese emerges victorious in heated US Open final
Re-live all the action from Flushing Meadows
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Naomi Osaka took on her idol Serena Williams and beat her soundly in this year's US Open women's singles final to claim a first Grand Slam title.
The 20-year-old, who was the first Japanese woman to appear in a Grand Slam final, was barely 12 months old when Williams won her first major title but overcame the legendary Williams in straight sets 6-2 6-4 to win at Flushing Meadows.
Williams, meanwhile, attracted headlines for all the wrong reasons after on-court violations and a row with the umpire.
The 36-year-old had the chance to draw level with Margaret Court's all-time record (24) of Grand Slam titles but fell to the youthful energy and classy all-round play of Osaka.
Here is how it happened:
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
What time does it start?
The final gets underway at 4pm local time, which is 9pm BST.
How can I watch it?
You'll have to subscribe to Amazon Prime to watch the final after the internet giant bought exclusive rights to the tournament earlier this year. Alternatively, follow updates from the live blog above!
"Welcome to the US Open trophy celebration". That announcement is greeted with a chorus of boos. Nobody is celebrating here.
Serena speaking now: "I don't wanna be rude or interrupt or do questions. I wanna say she played well, it's her first Grand Slam. I know the guys were rooting and I was rooting too. Let's make this the best moment we can. Let's not boo anymore. Let's be positive. Congratulations Naomi! No more booing! Thank you to my team. The crowd, you really are the best in the world. I hope to continue to go and play here again - we'll see! It's been a tough year for me, thank you so much."
She's in tears and the crowd are going crazy for her.
Osaka now, also in tears, and also receiving a rapturous applause: "I know that everyone was cheering for Serena and I'm sorry it had to end like this. I just wanna say thank you for watching the match.
"My mum has sacrificed a lot for me and it means a lot for her to come and watch my matches because she doesn't do that. All that's missing is my dad but he doesn't physically watch my matches, he just walks around, so I'll see him later."
Osaka, on being the first ever Japanese person - male or female - to win a Grand Slam: "It was always my dream to play Serena in the US Open finals. Thank you [nods to Serena]."
FACT
The last eight majors have now been won by eight different women
Thanks for joining me tonight for what was an historic and highly controversial evening in New York. The row will rattle on for the next few days, weeks and months but I'll leave you with this image of Naomi Osaka winning her first ever title, making Japanese history at only 20 years old, beating the greatest of all time.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments