Naomi Osaka is celebrating after her monumental win at the 2021 Australian Open.
The 23-year-old beat Jennifer Brady in the final, landing her fourth major title. She currently ties with Kim Clijsters for the number of major titles secure and is trailing just Serena and Venus Williams.
The win also means that Osaka is now on a 21-match winning streak — and shows no signs of being taken down. Last week, Osaka took out Serena Williams, who was hoping to break another record by winning the tournament.
“I have been in the position that she is in to go into the first Slam,” Osaka said, referring to Brady. “Of course I know the nerves that come with that. But then I was thinking on the other side, for me, I wonder if I’m expected to do better because I have been in Slam finals before. So there was actually a lot of nerves with that.”
Speaking to reporters, the tennis champion remained humble following her epic win:
“I feel like I’m at a really good place right now,” Osaka said. “I just want to play every match as hard as I can. If it comes to the point were I’m able to be No. 1 again, I’ll embrace it, but I’m not really chasing it.”
She added, “I don’t expect to win all my matches this year,” Osaka said, adding, “I don’t think it’s possible. Tennis players, we go through ups and downs. But for me, I only hope that my ups and downs are less drastic this year.”
Congratulations, Naomi.
