Osaka ‘beyond excited’ to be number one

Naomi Osaka fulfilled a long-held dream yesterday by becoming the world number one after winning the Australian Open, and some of the greats of the game forecast a dazzling future for the young Japanese star.

 The 21-year-old US Open champion held her nerve to battle past Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 and claim back-to-back Grand Slams, becoming the first Asian, male or female, to hold the top ranking in the process.

“I’m beyond excited to become the new world No.1,” she said after dislodging Romania’s Simona Halep. “I’ve always dreamt of being in this position and I am honoured to be part of the elite group of players who have reached the No.1 ranking.”

At 21 years, 104 days old, she is the youngest player to be on top of the world since Caroline Wozniacki reached the pinnacle in 2010 at 20 years and 92 days old. After making the semi-finals at the China Open last October, Osaka became the second Japanese woman to break into the Top 5, following Kimiko Date who reached No.4 in November 1995.

She has now gone a step further to write her name in the history books as the first Asian to be crowned number one since computer rankings were introduced in 1975. It has been a rapid rise. This time last year she was languishing at 72 but a 40-20 win-record last year saw her race into the top 10, claiming two titles including a breakthrough US Open final over Serena Williams.

Now on a 14-match win streak at the Grand Slams, some of the greats of the game lauded her achievements. “Winning back-to-back Grand Slam tournaments is a rare and special achievement, and I’m thrilled these results have propelled Naomi to the top of the women’s game,” said Chris Evert, the first ever WTA world No.1.

“Her exciting brand of tennis, coupled with the dignity she displays on and off court, is a winning combination that tennis fans really embrace. “She is still so young, with so much potential to keep growing as No.1. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her,” she added.