Australian Open: Naomi Osaka Beats Petra Kvitova To Win Title

Japan's Naomi Osaka beat Czech Petra Kvitova in a thrilling Australian Open final to win back-to-back Grand Slams and become the new world number one.

The US Open winner, 21, shed tears after missing three championship points in the second set but regrouped to win 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-4.

The fourth seed broke for 2-1 in the decider, then served out the win.

Two time Wimbledon champion Kvitova, 28, was bidding for her first major title since being stabbed in a knife attack.

More followed as she lifted the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup before the 15,000-capacity stadium fell silent as Osaka started her victory speech by praising Kvitova's career comeback.

"I wouldn't have wanted this to be our first match, but huge congratulations to you and your team," she told the Czech.

"You are amazing and I am honoured to have played you in a Grand Slam final."

Moments after Osaka sealed victory, an emotional Kvitova sat with her head in her hands as she seemed to be processing how far she has come over the past two years.

The left-hander needed surgery on her playing hand after the attack in a robbery at her home in the Czech Republic.

She sustained damage to ligaments and tendons when fighting off an intruder, but returned to the sport five months later.

"It is crazy. I cannot believe I played in the final of a Grand Slam again," said Kvitova, whose voice was breaking as she fought back tears.

"It was a great final - well done, Naomi.

"Thank you to my team for sticking with me, especially because we didn't even know if I could hold a racquet again. It wasn't that easy."

- BBC.com