The 2021 Australian Open finals are set! Naomi Osaka (3) will be taking on Jennifer Brady (22) in what promises to be a hard-hitting and physical affair. Let’s not forget these two thrilled fans with a three-setter semifinal showstopper at the 2020 US Open. Osaka went on to win that tournament. However, it was Brady who showed us throughout the US Open tournament that she had the game to compete with the best in the world. She’ll need that kind of game, and more if she hopes to win her maiden Grand Slam title. Let’s take a look at how each player got here.

The Road to the Final

Osaka has had a tougher road to the final, posting wins over both Serena Williams (10) and Garbine Muguruza (14). Against Muguruza, she saved match points to come back and win the Round of 16 encounter 7-5 in the third. Since then, Osaka has taken her level of play to another level. In her semifinal encounter with Serena, she never let Serena get into the match, neutralizing the Serena first serve and forcing Serena into untimely errors because of the pressure she was putting on her. Serena is a heavy hitter just like Brady, so it will be interesting to see how Brady handles the Osaka pressure.

Brady had an easier trip to the final from a competition standpoint. She did not have to face a top ten player on her way there. She got past Muchova (25) and an injured Vekic (28), who are very good players, but not of the quality of Williams or Muguruza. Brady also struggled against both these players at times before pulling out the wins. That being said, she’s looked rock solid at times, executing her game at the highest levels, levels high enough to be competitive against the likes of Osaka.

Predictions

Brady will be playing in her first Grand Slam final, and nerves will certainly be an issue. Osaka is now a seasoned veteran with three Grand Slam titles to her name. Even if Brady brings her best game, it will be tough to get through Osaka’s tough serving and deep and angled groundstrokes. Osaka breezed by Serena, who had been playing her best in years. Brady is no Serena. Osaka will win with ease. She’ll take her second Australian Open title in straight sets.

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