First set: Naomi Osaka* 2-2 Serena Williams This is the sting we’ve been been waiting for from Osaka. She’s biting back, striking the ball at shoulder height as Serena tries to hit her where it hurts with that intimidating top spin. At deuce, Williams appears set for an advantage when her shot fortuitously catches the net and pops over but Osaka is there and the ball has whirred past her opponent before she knows which move to make next. Osaka converts. This contest is starting to offer some of the intrigue it promised.
First set: Naomi Osaka* 1-2 Serena Williams Osaka has the advantage and finally gets herself on the scoreboard. This game has see-sawed a little with a few unforced errors in the mix. And the Japanese star double faults. She’s nervy, a little flustered. But a signature ace sees her through.