World No.14 Madison Keys has hailed Japan’s Naomi Osaka following their clash in the semi-finals of the US Open.
Keys crashed out of the tournament on Thursday, losing 6-2, 6-4, to the 20-year-old. The outcome was a sharp contrast to their meeting in the tournament back in 2016. Keys was trailing the deciding set 1-5, but managed to fight her way back to prevail in the tiebreaker. This time round, a cool and composed Osaka didn’t buckle as she saved all 13 break points she faced.
“Looking back at the match, there was what I would consider a sloppy game, just missed returns, early in the first set. Other than that, I mean, every time I had a breakpoint, anything like that, she came up with some unbelievable shots.” Keys said during her press conference.
“As far as being disappointed, obviously, but honestly she just played better than me.”
Prior to Thursday night, Keys had a 2-0 head-to-head record against her Japanese rival. Also winning their meeting the 2017 BNP Paribas Open. Whilst critical of her own performance, the American has praised Osaka’s. Who has become the first female Japanese grand slam finalist in the Open Era.
“I don’t know if she played differently, but she definitely executed the best that I’ve ever played against her.” Said Keys. “I think there was really two games where I didn’t play perfect tennis, and that was why I lost.”
“For a first-time semifinalist on a big stage and all that, it was really impressive she held her nerve the entire time, never really had any kind of slipup.”
In Saturday’s final, Osaka will take on her idol Serena Williams. The 36-year-old has reached her second consecutive major final following a 6-3, 6-0, win over Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova. Firing four aces and 31 winners during the match.
Looking ahead to the showdown between the two players, Keys believes Osaka has the game to challenge the 23-time grand slam champion. She defeated Williams earlier this year at the Miami Open. Although it was only Williams’ second tournament in her return from maternity leave.
“I think if she plays like she did tonight, she can definitely give Serena a run for her money. It will be a really good match. I’m for sure going to watch it.” Keys commented about Osaka.
Meanwhile, Osaka remains grounded about the prospect of winning her first major title at the age of 20. Pledging to ‘embrace’ the upcoming clash in Flushing Meadows.
“Serena is not a challenger. Of course I feel like I’m a challenger.” She told Japanese media during her press conference. “She’s been in so many Grand Slam finals, she knows how it feels. I’m still really new, I think. For me, that’s the fun part. I think I’m going to really embrace the moment and I’m going to play at least to the best of my abilities.”
So far in the tournament, Williams has only dropped one set. That was against Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi in the fourth round. The same applies to Osaka who lost a set at the same stage of the tournament to Aryna Sabalenka.
The women’s US Open final is set to get underway at 16:00 local time (21:00 GMT) on Saturday.
