#AUSOpen: Can Naomi Osaka beat Petra Kvitova to win title?
What's the story
US Open 2018 women's singles winner Naomi Osaka booked her second successive Grand Slam finale. The fourth seed outgunned Karolina Pliskova in three sets to reach the final of the Australian Open 2019. She will face an in-form Petra Kvitova in the summit clash. Can Osaka prevail over eighth seed Kvitova? Here's more on the same.
Osaka wins
Osaka beats Pliskova 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 in a tight encounter
The 21-year-old Japanese star beat seventh seed Pliskova 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to win her semis tie. Pliskova, who had earlier beaten Serena Williams in a thriller, fought valiantly. Osaka's winners and aces helped her stay ahead. "I expected it, I expected a really hard battle. I just told myself to regroup in the third set and try as hard and I managed to win."
Kvitova
Kvitova beats Danielle Collins to book maiden Australian Open final
Czech eighth seed Kvitova battled past intense heat to reach her first Australian Open final. The two-time Wimbledon champion won her match 7-6, 6-0 to set the ball rolling. She will face an even sterner test in the finale, with Osaka having the momentum at the moment. Collins, who enjoyed a dream run on her Australian Open debut, fell apart in the second set.
Kvitova
Kvitova last won a Slam in 2014
Kvitova won the Sydney International ahead of the Australian Open. She is in some strong form at the moment. Winning the Australian Open could be difficult though. Kvitova had a disappointing campaign in 2018 as far the Slams are concerned. Her best results came in French and US Open (round three). Meanwhile, she also won her last Slam back in 2014.
Reason
Why Osaka might prevail over Kvitova?
Osaka goes into the final as the favorite. It won't be an easy ride, but her grit might help her to prevail over Kvitova. She is young and her confidence could aid her. The fresh memory of winning the US Open could help her get an understanding of what's needed to be done. Osaka has enjoyed her time and has the momentum.