'I'm crying': Naomi Osaka in tears after incredible Miami Open act
Naomi Osaka has broken down in tears of joy after making history at the Miami Open and making her first final since the 2021 Australian Open Final.
Osaka faced her toughest test yet in the semi-final as she was pushed all the way against a resurgent Belinda Bencic with the Japanese star coming up big to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
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Osaka's serve was on fire as she equalled Ash Barty's record for most aces in a match for 2022 as she navigated her way past the Swiss World No.28.
However, her serve faulted when serving for the match for the first time after Osaka admitted she was shaking wth nerves.
But the Japanese star regained her composure to finish the match.
The win meant a lot for Osaka, who will play in her first Miami Open final, as she broke down in tears of joy following the match.
Osaka's first final since January 2021 comes only a week after she left Indian Wells in tears after being heckled by a member of the crowd.
The four-time grand slam champion has been happy on court in Miami where she has admitted she feels at home.
"I just wanted to say thank you everyone, the atmosphere was really good," a tearful and elated Osaka said.
"Damn, I am always crying.
"I just wanted to say thank you, this tournament really means a lot to me and it's my first time in the finals here."
Fans were left cheering for Osaka after the beautiful scenes with many claiming the four-time grand slam champ is back to her best.
Former #1 Naomi Osaka is definitely back!
She beats Olympic champion Belinda Bencic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the final in Miami, her first final since the Australian Open 2021 and first WTA 1000 final since Cincinnati 2020. pic.twitter.com/j1Z0rnvdqi— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 31, 2022
Osaka very emotional, crying in the end. Quite a moment
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 31, 2022
After some tough moments over the past year, how nice to see joyful tears from Naomi Osaka.
Huge win over Belinda Bencic, whose early ballstriking matches up very well against her. Felt like vintage Osaka from BPs down the third set, cranking up her level in the cluch moments. pic.twitter.com/SxBu7kSOxo— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) March 31, 2022
NAOMI CRYING IM CRYING UR CRYING EVERYONE IS CRYING 😭😭😭 WE LOVE YOU SM @naomiosaka pic.twitter.com/FSSRL6LlqR
— 𝘽𝙍𝙀𝙉𝙏 (@theserenaslam) March 31, 2022
Such a big win for Naomi Osaka over nemesis Belinda Bencic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
She grew into the match, found her serve, battled through tight moments, and eventually took charge.
Back in a big final. Back where she belongs.— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) March 31, 2022
77 - Naomi #Osaka is the lowest ranked player ever to reach the final at the #MiamiOpen (#77). The former lowest ranked player to dispute the final in this tournament was Kim Clijsters in 2005 (#38). Comeback.@WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/weP0dRAtWu
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) March 31, 2022
she’s so happy ;( naomi osaka i love you so much girl pic.twitter.com/TGYxnb5Vyv
— maja (@darkredicu) March 31, 2022
Home advantage 🏡
A courtside view of the moment @naomiosaka secured a spot in her first #MiamiOpen final!
🎥: @MiamiOpenpic.twitter.com/1FPKKiu5xR— wta (@WTA) March 31, 2022
Naomi Osaka creates history at Miami Open
Osaka started the event World No.77, but would finish inside the Top 30 if she wins the Miami Open title.
She also becomes the lowest ranked player ever, World No.77, to reach the final after Kim Clijsters achieved the feat when ranked World No.38 in 2005.
Osaka hasn't featured in a WTA 1000 semi-final since Cincinnati 2020.
Following the match, Osaka admitted she felt like she had been fighting to get back into this situation for quite some time.
"I feel like I have been fighting for a long time, not physically fighting, but I've wanted to get back here for a very long time," Osaka said.
"I just couldn't string together a lot of things, so now I feel like I am in a really good place in my life and I want to keep that going.
"Last week, at Indian Wells, even when the times were tough I know I can bounce back. I feel like I did that pretty well."
Osaka will go on to face either new World No.1 Iga Swiatek or American Jessica Pegula in the final.
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