Naomi Osaka beats Brady to clinch Australian Open title

Melbourne:Japan's Naomi Osaka defeated American Jennifer Brady in the women’s singles finals to clinch the 2021 Australian Open title, here on Saturday.

The third-seeded Osaka took down Jennifer Brady, in her first Grand Slam final in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, to win the year’s first Grand Slam and her fourth major title overall.

Osaka has now won two Australian Open titles after also triumphing at Melbourne Park in 2019, with her other Grand Slam successes coming at the US Open in 2018 and 2020.

Her fourth title put her in rare company. Only three other active women – Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters – have reached that total.

"It feels incredible to have fans, I played the last Grand Slam without fans, to have this energy means a lot," said Osaka as she clutched the Daphne Akhurst Trophy.

"I feel like playing a Grand Slam is a privilege," she added.Notably, only two active women own more Slam titles than Osaka: Williams, with 23, and her sister, Venus, with seven.

Osaka has not suffered a defeat since February 2020 after winning her past 20 matches.She also becomes only the third player since 1968 (men and women) behind Roger Federer (seven) and Monica Seles (6) to win their first four majors.(UNI)