Western & Southern Open Final Preview: Osaka vs. Azarenka

Naomi Osaka didn’t necessarily want the ATP and WTA to pause all play on Thursday, but in her typically humble fashion, she underestimated the power of her own voice.

“I honestly didn’t think it would be that big of a deal, I thought I would withdraw and make my statement,” Osaka told ESPN’s Chris Mckendry. “Then I got a call from (WTA CEO) Steve Simon and he said they are fully supporting me.”

“I was just waiting and waiting and then I realized maybe I would have to be the one to take the first step; I wanted to create awareness in the tennis bubble and I think I did my job. I don’t want anyone to blame me for the one day break in case anyone’s schedule got messed up, I was really scared.”

In the end, Osaka made a big statement off the court—and also made a big one on it. On Friday, she somehow saved 18 of 21 break points in her 6-2, 7-6 (5) victory over Belgium’s Elise Mertens.

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When Osaka reaches the final on tennis’ biggest stages, she typically delivers. The 22-year-old, who has yet to lose in a Grand Slam or Premier Mandatory final, will face a resurgent Victoria Azarenka as she looks to capture her first Premier 5 title. For Osaka to get there, she’ll need to tighten up her service games. If Osaka gives Azarenka 21 break chances on Saturday, she surely won’t be so lucky.

At the same time as Osaka's semifinal win, Azarenka dropped the first set to Johanna Konta. But the two-time Grand Slam champion caught fire, winning 12 of the last 17 points en route to a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory.

After a tumultuous last few years on court, Azarenka has regained her confidence and form just in time for the upcoming US Open, which features one of the most wide-open fields in history after six of the world’s Top 10 players withdrew. While Osaka owns a 2-1 head-to-head advantage over the Belarusian, and is a fairly sizeable favorite according to the oddsmakers, anything is possible when these two incredible ball-strikers face off in what will likely be one of the hardest hitting matches you’ll ever see.

The Pick: Naomi Osaka