Australian Open, women's singles final: Everything you need to know
Naomi Osaka reached the Australian Open final on Thursday to set up a summit clash against Jennifer Brady. Osaka ended Serena Williams' quest for a record equaling 24th Grand Slam title. On the other hand, Brady was involved in a three-set thriller against Karolina Muchova. The final, on Saturday, promises to be a crunch affair. We present the key details.
Osaka will be aiming to win a fourth Slam title
Three-time Slam champion Osaka was superb against Serena, winning the tie in straight sets. She beat the veteran legend 6-3, 6-4 to reach a fourth Slam final. Notably, Osaka is on a 20-match unbeaten streak and has never lost a Slam final. She has won two US Open titles and will be aiming to win her second Australian Open crown.
Brady is on her best run at a Slam event
Brady had to battle it out against Muchova in a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to seal a spot in her first Grand Slam final. Notably, Muchova had earlier beaten world number one Ashleigh Barty in the quarters. The 22nd seed Brady is on her best run at a Slam event. Her previous best record a semi-final appearance at the 2020 US Open.
Osaka's road to the Australian Open final
1st round: Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-2 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 2nd round: Naomi Osaka 6-2, 6-3 Caroline Garcia 3rd round: Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-2 Ons Jabeur 4th round: Naomi Osaka 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 Garbine Muguruza Quarter-final: Naomi Osaka 6-2, 6-2 Hsieh Su-wei Semi-final: Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-4 Serena Williams
Brady's road to the Australian Open final
1st round: Jennifer Brady 6-1, 6-3 Aliona Bolsova 2nd round: Jennifer Brady 6-1, 6-2 Madison Brengle 3rd round: Jennifer Brady 6-1, 6-3 Kaja Juvan 4th round: Jennifer Brady 6-1, 7-5 Donna Vekic Quarter-final: Jennifer Brady 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 Jessica Pegula Semi-final: Jennifer 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 Brady Karolina Muchova
Brady joins an elite list
🇺🇸 women to reach a Grand Slam singles final since 2017:
— USTA (@usta) February 18, 2021
◆ Serena Williams
◆ Venus Williams
◆ Madison Keys
◆ Sloane Stephens
◆ Sofia Kenin
◆ Jennifer Brady
An elite list joined by @jennifurbrady95 👏 pic.twitter.com/sGPS3dN94n
