Naomi Osaka upset in quest for U.S. Open title repeat

SCREEN CAPTURE / ESPN

Japan's Naomi Osaka was upset in herU.S. Open match Sunday (Sept. 1).

Naomi Osaka won't be repeating as U.S. Open champ this year after losing to giant-killer Belinda Bencic, 7-5, 6-4 Sunday (Sept. 1).

The loss will likely drop Osaka from the No. 1 ranking in the world, the second time she will  lose that title this year. Australia's Ashleigh Barty, 22, who held the top spot briefly then lost it to Osaka, will regain the No. 1 rank.

The Swiss player has now beaten Osaka three times this year after previous victories in Indian Wells and Madrid.

It will be Bencic's second appearance in the quarter-finals after also making the last eight in 2014 as a 17-year-old.

"I was so excited to come on the court, the challenge cannot be bigger - Naomi Osaka is a great player and won the US Open last year," said Bencic. "I had to be on top of my game and am really pleased with how I played.

After her match, Osaka, who plays for Japan but was raised in the US, was able to put her loss in perspective.

"For me, right now I have this feeling of sadness, but I also feel like I have learned so much during this tournament," said Osaka, who received wide praise for comforting 15-year-old American Coco Gauff, whom she had just defeated Friday. 

"I feel like the steps I've taken as a person have been much greater than I would imagine at this point, so I hope I can keep growing,' said Osaka. "I know if I keep working hard, then I'll have better results.

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Naomi Osaka shows what sportsmanship is all about

SCREEN CAPTURE / YOUTUBE

No. 1 ranked Naomi Osaka consoled Coco Gauff after their match aat the U.S. Open.

The No. 1 ranked women's tennis player Naomi Osaka reminded us what a true champion is supposed to look like Saturday (Aug. 31) at the U.S. Open.

In easily defeating upstart, fan favorite 15-year-old Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, 21, won over more fans with her sportsmanship.

Gauff captivated the home crowds at the U.S. Open held in Flushing to reach the third round and set up a dream meeting with Osaka at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

From the outset, Osaka took control, overwhelming the Florida teenager with a strong serve and pinpoint angles. Osaka dominated the youngster, winning the first set 6-3 and silencing the crowd rooting for the underdog Coco.

The second set was even more convincing as Osaka cruised to a 6-0 second set, to seal her spot in the round of 16.

Even though the Arhur Ashe Stadium audience was abuzz about the match everyone wanted to see -- the teenage sensation vs. last year's champion -- it was what happened after the match that tennis fans will be talking about.

Osaka, who holds dual citizenship -- US and Japanese -- gave Coco a warm embrace as the teenager fought off tears.

In an emotional moment for all involved, Gauff laughed at the scene that saw both young women in tears.

"She was crying, she won. I was crying. Everybody was crying. I was like, 'I don't know why she was crying. You won the match!'"

Osaka consoled Gauff convincing her opponent to join her in the post-game interview.

Osaka, who speaks from the heart, got misty-eyed too when she addressed Gauff’s family box during the on-court interview. "For me, the fact that both of us made it, and we're both still working as hard as we can, I think it's incredible," she said. "And I think you guys are amazing and I think, Coco, you're amazing."

Although there hasn't been much social interaction between the two players, they know each other because they practice at the same facility in Florida. Their fathers, both of whom coached their daughters when starting out, know each other.

"I wasn't expecting it. I'm glad that I was able to experience that moment,"Gauff told the media afterwards. "She was crying, she won. I was crying. Everybody was crying. But I think it was a good moment for both of us."

The two young women, both unknown a year ago, represent the future of tennis. Hopefully, they'll meet each other on the court many times more.

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Cheers and tears for Naomi Osaka's controversial U.S. Open victory

Nice Moment: Tennis veteran Serena Williams comforts Naomi Osaka after their U.S. Open match.

By Louis Chan
ASAM NEWS

NAOMI OSAKA became the first man or woman from Japan to win an tennis Grand Slam singles championship.
She beat the legendary champion, Serena Williams, 6-2, 6-4 to earn the U.S. Open championship trophy in an emotional match that brought both players in tears.

Osaka is Japanese on her mother’s side and plays for that nation. Her father is Haitian American. Osaka has lived in the U.S. since age 3, originally on Long Island, but currently in Boca Raton, Florida.

Williams, who is coming off a difficult pregnancy and nearly died, was clearly the crowd favorite in New York.

The crowd became even more boisterous after Williams received several unfavorable and unpopular calls from chair umpire Carlos Ramos.

At one point, Williams received a warning after the umpire perceived she was being coached from the stands -- an apparent violation of the rules that is rarely enforced.

A few games later, an incensed Williams upset at herself, threw her racket down and broke it. This time she received a point penalty.

The argument went on during breaks with Williams demanding an apology from Ramos. She called Ramos a “thief” and walked away. That’s when Ramos took a game away from her.

Commentators are pointing out that men have directed four letter words at umpires and haven’t received such a harsh penalty.

In the end, Williams was gracious. She smiled broadly after the match point and the two competitors gave each other a warm embrace.

Osaka earlier had said Williams was her idol and that it was her dream to play Williams in a Grand Slam.

The crowd interspersed their cheering for Osaka and Williams with booing directed at U.S. Open officials. Williams would later put at end to that.

“She played well,” Williams said during the trophy presentation. “This is her first grand slam. I know you guys were rooting for me. Let’s make this the best moment we can. Let’s get through this. Let’s be positive. No more booing.”

The crowd let out a huge and prolonged ovation.

The 20-year-old Osaka was equally as gracious in victory.

She gave hugs to her coach and family after the win.

“I know everyone was cheering for her (Serena) and I’m sorry it had to end like this,” she said after being handed the $3.8 million first prize. “I just want to say thank you for watching the match,” as she turned toward Serena.

Osaka also talked about her mom.

“She sacrificed a lot for me. It means a lot for her to watch my matches because she doesn’t normally do that anyway. All we’re missing is my dad. He doesn’t physically watch my match. He walks around so I’ll see him later."

Osaka said in a post game interview with ESPN that she did not pay attention to the controversy between Williams and the judge and tried to stay focused. By then the crowd’s sentiment’s had changed. They chanted “Naomi, Naomi, Naomi.”

“We love you Naomi,” a spectator screamed as Naomi let out a smile and turned to the crowd behind her.

The U.S. Open sought to explain what occurred during the game. “On the fifth point in the second game of the second set between Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams, the chair umpire witnessed coaching taking place from Williams’ coach. Even though her coach has admitted to coaching, Williams has made it clear that she did not receive any coaching. Nevertheless, in accordance with the rules, Williams was assessed a Code Violation, resulting in a warning.”

“At the completion of the fifth game of the second set, Williams was assessed a second code violation for racquet abuse, which required a point penalty,” the U.S. Open’s statement added. “At the changeover, at 4-3, Williams was assessed a third code violation for verbal abuse in the judgment of the umpire, which then required a game penalty. The chair umpire’s decision was final and not reviewable by the Tournament Referee or the Grand Slam Supervisor who were called to the court at that time.”

Views From the Edge conributed to the update to this report.
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Nishikori falls short in U.S. Open semifinals

KEI NISHIKORI'S run at the U.S. Open came to an abrupt halt Friday (Sept. 7) losing to Novak Djokovic in three straight sets, 3-6, 4-6, 2-6.

Serbia's Djokovic will play Argentine Del Potro in the final on Sunday, 

Nishikori's quickness couldn't overcome the relentless deep shots from Djokovic throughout the match. Nishikori, who has lived in the U.S. since he was 13, tried to come back in the second set by attacking the net but when he was unsuccessful, he seemed to wilt in the third and final set.

If 28-year old Nishikori, had won Friday, he would have become the second Japanese player to reach a U.S. Open final at this year's tournament, following 20-year-old Naomi Osaka's semi-final triumph over  Madison Keys on Thursday.

Japanese American Osaka -- playing in her first Grand Slam final -- will face one of the winningest players in Serena Williams today, Saturday (Sept. 8) in Flushing, N.Y.
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TGIF Feature: Kei Nishikori, Naomi Osaka make history in the U.S. Open

Naomi Osaka has come out of nowhere to reach the finals of the U.S. Open .

DON'T LOOK NOW, but two tennis players from Japan are surprising everyone with their play at the U.S. Open.

Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori will be in the spotlight this weekend as tennis fans around the world watch their matches on the New York hardcourts.

Osaka has become the first Japanese American woman to reach a Grand Slam final after beating American Madison Keys Thursday (Sept. 6) to set up a meeting with 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams at the U.S. Open. Osaka was just one year old when Williams won her first Grand Slam in 1999.

Osaka, 20, had never beaten Keys in their previous three meetings, but won 6-2 6-4 in New York.

Kei Nishikori outlasted Marin Cilic Wednesday (Sept. 5) to win five-set epic match setting him up for a semi-final match against No. 6 seed Novak Djokcovic.

If Nishikori gets past Djokcovic, it would first time Japan would have a man and a woman in a Grand Slam final at thte same time, according to the ATP Tour.

Osaka, as the No. 20 seed, also has the right background for this particular U.S. Open. This late in a tournament beset by extremely hot and humid tennis, she can claim a significant edge: “I actually don’t think it’s that hot,” she said on court after burying Lesia Tsurenko today, 6-1, 6-1.

Osaka identifies as Japanese (her mother's side) and plays for that nation. Her father is Haitian American. Osaka has lived in the U.S. since age 3, originally on Long Island but currently in Boca Raton, Florida.

She's been on a tear in this tournament, winning every set except one -- that being in the fourth round against 26th ranked Aryna Sabalenka.

The 20-year old has been building momentum starting last year when at this same tournament, Osaka upset No. 6 seed Angelique Kerber. But her career launching pad was a win at the Indian Wells Premier Mandatory WTA event in early March, reports ESPN. Her booming forehand and scorching-hot serve enabled her to rip through a series of accomplished veterans including three former or current No. 1 players: Maria Sharapova, Karolina Pliskova and No. 1 Simona Halep. Just days later, Osaka went on the dismiss her idol, Serena Williams, in the first round of Miami.

Tennis players Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori play for Japan.

Osaka will face her stiffest test Saturday (Sept. 8) when she once again play against Williams at 1 p.m. EDT.

“I think if she plays like she did tonight, she can definitely give Serena a run for her money;" said Keys. "It will be a really good match. I’m for sure going to watch it.”
Nishikori's path to the semi's was a little more tortuous.

No 21 seed Nishikori been Ciilic in a rematch of the 2014 final with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-4 victory in a match that lasted 4 hours, 8 minutes leaving both players drenched in sweat.

Like Osaka, Nishikori lives and trains in Florida. He has lived there since he was 13.

Nishikori will play against Novak Djokcovic who is the No. 6 seed this year. Their match is slated for today (Friday, Sept. 8) 2:30 p.m. EDT. 

The two men met in center court at the U.S. Open in 2014 when Nishikori beat Djokcovic in four sets.
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