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'Ice cold': Tennis world erupts over brutal Naomi Osaka act

andrew reid
·3-min read
Pictured here, Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams embrace after their Australian Open semi-final.
Naomi Osaka was ruthless in her semi-final victory against Serena Williams . Pic: Getty

Naomi Osaka has ended Serena Williams' latest shot at tennis history with a ruthless Australian Open quarter-final victory that has stunned the tennis world.

The Japanese superstar overpowered Williams 6-3 6-4 in 75 minutes to leave the American stranded one grand slam shy of Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 singles majors.

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Seeking a fourth major of her own, and second Open crown after reigning in Melbourne in 2019, third-seeded Osaka will play Jennifer Brady in the final after the American downed Czech Karolina Muchova 6-4 3-6 6-4.

The World No.3 seemed a little nervous to begin with as Williams grabbed a service break at the first time of asking to establish an early 2-0 lead.

However, the 23-year-old Japanese star rattled off the next five games in a row to leave Williams and those watching in shock.

Pictured here, Serena Williams farewells fans at Melbourne Park after her semi-final loss.
Serena Williams was gracious in defeat against Naomi Osaka on Thursday at Melbourne Park. Pic: AAP

Osaka's serve proved too much for Williams to handle, with the Japanese star formidable on her own racquet.

The three-time major winner's powerful groundstrokes also caused nightmares for her American opponent, with commentator Sam Smith declaring Osaka to be the most powerful hitter in women's tennis.

Williams - bidding for a record-equalling 24th grand slam singles title - is used to blowing her opponents off the court.

But it was Osaka that brutally flipped the script with a devastating display against the seven-time Australian Open champion.

While it looked on paper like a routine straight sets win for Osaka, the Japanese star gave fans a scare with a remarkable implosion in the second set.

The World No.3 uncharacteristically gifted Williams a window back into the set with three double faults in the one service game.

That inexplicable mid-set blip helped Williams get back on level terms at 4-4 but any glimmer of hope the American had was quickly extinguished.

Osaka instantly broke back next game to give herself a chance to serve for the match.

Naomi Osaka masterclass leaves fans in awe

There was to be no repeat of the 2019's Australian Open champion's service woes as Osaka sealed victory to book her spot in Saturday night's final.

Osaka's brutal performance left the tennis world in a spin on social media.

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