Williams to face Osaka for first time since US Open final

Friday, 9 August 2019 13:42

Serena Williams is set to take on Naomi Osaka for the first time since the controversial 2018 US Open final in the quarter-finals of the Rogers Cup.

Osaka defeated Polish teen Iga Swiatek 7-6 (4), 6-4 after one hour and 51 minutes to book her slot in Toronto, while Williams took 91 minutes to win against Russia's 48th-ranked Ekaterina Alexandrova.

"I've actually been looking forward to playing her," said Williams. "Both players are playing well in this tournament in particular, so I'll be ready for her."

Meanwhile, Osaka described Williams as her "tennis mom" during her on-court interview. "She’s someone that I grew up watching and admire so much."

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