Naomi Osaka is a Wimbledon quarter-finalist, having overcome the top seed in straight sets earlier today.
In all honesty, it was one of the best matches that the Japanese superstar has ever played. She outhit Aryna Sabalenka from the very first ball, and was good value for her first win against the Belarusian since 2018.
Tracy Austin, like most others who had the pleasure of watching this masterclass, was left in awe.
Speaking live on the BBC’s coverage, the American pundit had nothing but praise for Naomi Osaka, and joined Todd Woodbridge in singing her praises endlessly.
Tracy Austin left stunned and full of pride for Naomi Osaka
Austin was first to give Osaka her flowers, admitting: “She played so well that first set. We are not used to seeing world number one Aryna Sabalenka on her heels and getting outhit, outpaced and outserved.
“It was unbelievable the way that Naomi was so close to the baseline. She has short, compact shots on both sides. She hit so flat, so the ball was staying so low, and Sabalenka has these big strokes. She had trouble with it.
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“You just wondered if Osaka could sustain that level, but she sustained it and maybe even went up a level. It really was a high level of tennis. I am so proud of her.”
Woodbridge then chimed in, adding: “You have seen her in the stands watching matches and supporting friends. The interview is so different too. There is such a lightness about her, and her demeanour is in a perfect place.
“Her technique has certainly got better on grass. The adjustments to some of the short balls to get underneath. I think she looks like the potential champion after what we have watched in the last couple of matches.
“She is just loving being in this space again. We know she had her troubles and it wasn’t great. I think when you go through that and are getting that enjoyment again, I think she is getting her second chance.”
Osaka spoke straight after beating Sabalenka, discussing her emotions after what must go down as one of the biggest wins of her career to date.
Naomi Osaka’s coach praised for masterminding her turnaround on grass
Before this year, Osaka had never even reached the second week at Wimbledon.
Now, she is preparing for a quarter-final having just dumped out the world number one.
Reacting straight afterwards, Austin had previously claimed: “This draw is now wide open.
“It wasn’t that Sabalenka played poorly; she tried to slice, tried to serve and volley a little bit. Osaka was able to sustain that high level from the first set throughout the second set as well. Maybe even got better.
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“She did everything with such great intent, control, kept the unforced errors down. 21 winners.
“And this coach has really done a phenomenal job, and really rounded out her game. Making her and convincing her that her game works out well on grass.”
