Summary

  • Naomi Osaka beats Victoria Azarenka 1-6 6-3 6-3 to win US Open

  • It is Osaka’s third Grand Slam title

  • Azarenka was appearing in her first major final since 2013

  • The final was played behind closed doors on Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows, New York

Live Reporting

Saj Chowdhury

  1. Osaka 1-6 6-3 2-1 Azarenka*

    Wow! The first is saved with a wondrous forehand winner down the line.

  2. Osaka 1-6 6-3 2-1 Azarenka*

    An easily-read slice is punished before Azarenka makes another mistake.

    Double fault and it's two break points.

  3. Osaka 1-6 6-3 2-1 Azarenka*

    A lizard/grasshopper has entered the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Not wearing a mask, I see.

  4. Osaka 1-6 6-3 2-1 Azarenka*

    Azarenka certainly isn't forcing the issue on Osaka's service games like she was earlier in the match.

    The Belarusian is tending to stay back - the net cord gods aren't smiling down on her now either, as her shot strikes the tape but drops back down on to her own side.

    Osaka holds once more.

  5. Leon Smith
    GB Davis Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Azarenka will feel a lot better about getting on scoreboard. She doesn't want to change things too much, just keep reminding herself what she did in the first set - hold her court position and get Osaka doing the running.

  6. *Osaka 1-6 6-3 1-1 Azarenka

    The winner of 21 WTA singles titles holds as Osaka's return lands clearly out of bounds.

  7. Naomi Cavaday
    BBC Radio 5 Live tennis commentator

    The Osaka adaptability in the middle of matches is something that is underrated.

  8. Osaka 1-6 6-3 1-0 Azarenka*

    Osaka is thumping her strapped left thigh - is it tightening or is it just a habit?

    Azarenka brings up 40-15 and cries, "C'mon".

    azarenkaGetty Images

  9. Osaka 1-6 6-3 1-0 Azarenka*

    The Osaka forehands which weren't dipping down in time, are now getting the green light.

    Another Osaka groundstroke licks the paint although her opponent isn't sure. She challenges, but she shouldn't have.

  10. *Osaka 1-6 6-3 0-0 Azarenka

    Osaka looks confused as a backhand appears to have kissed the line but is called out. She challenges, and was right to.

    15-0.

  11. Game and second set Osaka

    Osaka 1-6 6-3 Azarenka

    Deuce, but then Osaka sets up set point again with a rabbit-punch forehand down the line.

    Another flat forehand goes wide of the reach of Azarenka.

    Osaka was on the canvas, but she's back up and fighting.

  12. Osaka 1-6 5-3 Azarenka*

    Osaka produces the point of the match. A forehand winner on the run - she broke the speed gun with that one.

    Exceptional athleticism.

  13. Osaka 1-6 5-3 Azarenka*

    The experienced campaigner has advantage but is placed on the backfoot again - she defends Osaka's thumping groundstrokes well until she can defend no more.

    Deuce

  14. Osaka 1-6 5-3 Azarenka*

    Saved with a calmly taken overhead.

  15. Osaka 1-6 5-3 Azarenka*

    Azarenka, on the other hand, is defending. A defensive backhand drifts wide.

    The Belarusian then makes another error.

    Set point Osaka.

  16. Osaka 1-6 5-3 Azarenka*

    Osaka's demeanour has completely changed. She's attacking as much as she can - sometimes it pays off, other times it doesn't - but it's having a positive effect.

    40-30.

  17. Osaka 1-6 5-3 Azarenka*

    Azarenka is keen to level thing up again - thumping a forehand winner out of sight.

    Osaka eventually holds with a crouching double-handed backhand winner. All it needed was a small pivot of the hips. One from the coach's manual.

  18. *Osaka 1-6 4-3 Azarenka

    Brilliant running to the net from Osaka to tap home a winner.

    30-15.

    Confidence is building.

  19. *Osaka 1-6 4-3 Azarenka

    I did say that I can't see Azarenka's level dropping. It has. A little.

    At the same time, Osaka's has gone up a notch or two.

  20. Naomi Cavaday
    BBC Radio 5 Live tennis commentator

    As much as Azarenka has played a brilliant match, it's not too much for Osaka and she has got herself back into this.