Naomi Osaka: Australian Open Champion Now Sets The Standard

Barely 12 months ago, when asked to explain an error-strewn defeat by a 15- year-old Coco Gauff at the Australian Open, Naomi Osaka said she was yet to develop a champion's mentality.

It has not taken long to acquire.

The 23-year-old's victory over Jennifer Brady in this year's final in Melbourne was a second consecutive Grand Slam title, and a 21st match win in a row.

Serena Williams still makes a very persuasive case, but for me Osaka has become the player the rest of the tour now measure themselves against.

Osaka says she still finds it intimidating to spy Williams on the other side of the net - but that equally is a sensation the Japanese now evokes in others.

In the past year, Osaka has resoundingly found her voice.

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