Naomi Osaka is the new world No 1 and Japan’s first Australian Open singles champion after a dramatic and suspense-filled 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-3 victory over Czech Petra Kvitova.
And, on a perfect Melbourne night, there was nobody there to hijack the moment after a final for the ages.
Banishing bitter-sweet memories of a traumatic US Open triumph over aggrieved Serena Williams in September, Osaka deservedly exulted in a magnificent win.
There were no histrionics. And no sulking loser. (Herald)
