MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA) – Though Serena WIlliams exited the game after losing to Naomi Osaka, Jennifer Brady ensured there would be an American in the Australian Open final. She beat Karolina Muchova 6-4 3-6 6-4 in the semi-finals on Thursday.
Brady would now clash with Naomi Osaka for the Australian Open finals. Incidentally it was Osaka who knocked Brady out of the US Open semis.
The 2019 champion Osaka earlier eliminated Williams in straight sets, but 22nd seed Brady ensured the United States would have another finalist a year after Sofia Kenin upset Garbine Muguruza for the 2020 trophy.
“I can’t feel my legs. My legs are shaking, my heart is racing. I am so nervous,” the 25-year-old said.
“I came out a little strange today, super excited but at the same time I was pretty flat footed.
“My legs felt fresh but at the same time they just weren’t moving. I felt like I was stuck in mud so I didn’t really pick up my intensity until the beginning of the third set.”
Brady’s achievement is all the more remarkable after having been one of the 72 players who spent two weeks in hard quarantine and were unable to train like the rest of the field.
“I’m obviously pretty excited to be in the finals here the Australian Open, it’s an incredible achievement,” said Brady.
“I think it’ll be a really tough match. Obviously she’s won a few Grand Slams.”
