Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka says she had to be a “robot” and turn off her feelings to hold her nerve and win the final against Petra Kvitova.

The Japanese, 21, had tears in her eyes after having three match points saved by her Czech opponent in the second set – before winning 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-4.

“You know how some people get worked up about things? That’s a very human thing to do,” said Osaka.

“Sometimes I feel like I don’t want to waste my energy doing stuff like that.”

US Open winner Osaka became the first player since American Jennifer Capriati in 2001 to follow her maiden Grand Slam title with victory at the next one.

Her triumph in Melbourne will also take her to the top of the world rankings on Monday.

“I felt like I didn’t want to have any regrets,” said Osaka, who was the fourth seed at the tournament. “If I didn’t regroup after the second set, then I would have looked back on this match and probably cried.

“I just thought to myself that this is my second time playing a final, I can’t really act entitled. To be playing against one of the best players in the world, to lose a set – to suddenly think that I’m so much better than her, that isn’t a possibility.

“I literally just tried to turn off all my feelings. I just felt kind of hollow, like I was a robot.”

• Osaka’s victory: how it happened
• Men’s final preview: Djokovic & Nadal renew ‘biggest rivalry’
• Live scores, schedule and results

‘I was in a state of shock’

Having endeared herself to fans with her quirky news conferences and awkward acceptance speeches, she remained true to herself when she looked grateful to have the trophy taken out of her hands while apologising for public speaking not being her “strong point”.

“I felt like I was in a state of shock through the entire trophy presentation,” she said.

“Of course I felt very disappointed and sad when I had three match points. I tried to tell myself there’s nothing I can do about it – told myself I’m playing a final and need to keep fighting and couldn’t act immature.”

Osaka has in the past discussed Netflix, memes and computer game Overwatch in news conferences and after winning her first Masters title at Indian Wells last year made what she described as “the worst acceptance speech of all time”.

Rise from world number 72 in a year ‘not fast’

Last January, Osaka was ranked 72 in the world and had never progressed past the fourth round of a Grand Slam.

But the Japanese said her rise to two-time major champion and world number one in the space of a year “does not feel fast”.

“It felt kind of long,” she said. “I guess looking from the outside it does.

“For me, every practice and every match I’ve played, it feels like the year is short and long at the same time.

“But I’m aware of all the work that I put in. I know all the sacrifices every player does to stay at this level.”

Osaka claimed her first Grand Slam by beating American 23-time champion Serena Williams in a dramatic final in New York last September, backing that up immediately with more success in Melbourne.

“I had dreams I’d win this tournament,” she said. “Every time I have a dream somehow I accomplish it. I feel like it is a strange moment. I feel like I’m living now but it is not necessarily real.

“The ranking was never my real goal, my goal was just to win this tournament.”

Osaka’s career timeline

• 2015: Ranked 143rd in the world and failed to go beyond the first round of a Grand Slam.
• 2016: Broke into the top 40 and was voted WTA Newcomer of the Year. Reached the third round at Australian Open, French Open and US Open.
• 2017: Second straight top 100 finish (ended world number 68). Reached the third round of Wimbledon and US Open.
• 2018: Broke into the world’s top five, finishing the year as number four. Won her first WTA title at Indian Wells in March and won her first Grand Slam at the US Open in September.
• 2019: Becomes the first Asian player to become world number one. Wins her second Grand Slam at the Australian Open and becomes the first player since 2001 to win back-to-back Slams after their maiden title.

‘Painful’ defeat for Kvitova but ‘amazing’ to even be in final

Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova said she was proud of reaching her first Grand Slam final since being stabbed with a knife in a robbery at her home in December 2016.

The 28-year-old Czech feared she would “never pick up a racquet again” after needing surgery on her playing left hand.

She remarkably returned to the sport five months after the attack, going on to win six WTA titles since and will climb back up to number two in the rankings on Monday.

Despite being proud of her achievements, she still described Saturday’s defeat by Osaka as “painful”.

“I don’t know how long will take me to get over it,” said Kvitova, who was the eighth seed in Melbourne.

“It’s hurting a lot. I wanted to win and have the trophy – but I think I already won two years ago. So for me, it’s amazing.”

Defeat meant Kvitova missed out on becoming world number one for the first time, but she admitted she never envisaged climbing so high in the rankings following the attack.

“I wanted to be back at my greatest level, probably as I played before,” she said.

“I knew it would be very, very difficult because my hand is not 100% and never will be.

“I’m just trying to take maximum from the minimum.

“I don’t think that I could really imagine being this kind of player again.”

• Follow the Australian Open on BBC TV, radio and online
• Alerts: Get tennis news sent to your phone

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.

Eighth seed Kvitova, 28, was bidding for her first major title since being stabbed in a knife attack.

• I had to turn off my feelings like a robot – Osaka
• Relive Osaka’s win over Kvitova
• Men’s final preview: Djokovic & Nadal renew ‘biggest rivalry’
• Follow the Australian Open on BBC TV, radio and online

Osaka was all smiles during the trophy presentation in Melbourne – in contrast to her US Open victory – and she continued a tradition of slightly awkward acceptance speeches.

“Erm, hello. Sorry, public speaking isn’t my strong point so I hope I can get through this,” she said.

“I read notes before this but I still forgot what I was meant to say. Thank you everyone, I am really honoured to have played in this final.”

Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova, who said she was fortunate to be alive after the stabbing incident in December 2016, showed resilience to take the match into a third set as momentum swung from side to side.

Victory seemed to be inevitable for Osaka before Kvitova broke back for 5-5 in the second, then going on to win 12 points in a row to lead for the first time since the start of that set.

However, after welling up at the end of the second set while she left the court for a bathroom break, Osaka regained focus to take a decisive advantage in the decider.

She went on to become the first player since American Jennifer Capriati in 2001 to follow her maiden Grand Slam win immediately with another triumph.

She missed a fourth championship point with a long return, but took the fifth when Kvitova hit a forehand wide.

A smiling Osaka dropped to her haunches on the baseline before returning to her chair and covering her face in shock as she savoured the moment.

Osaka, who replaces Simona Halep at the top of the rankings after the Romanian’s 48-week stint, becomes the first Asian player to be world number one.

She is also the youngest to hold top spot since Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki, then aged 20, took the ranking in 2010.

A different type of drama to US Open win

Osaka claimed her first Grand Slam by beating 23-time champion Serena Williams in a dramatic final at Flushing Meadows, which is remembered for the American’s row with umpire Carlos Ramos.

That left the Japanese player in tears and hiding behind her visor as she collected the trophy to the sounds of jeers from home fans in New York angry at Ramos, with Williams having to appeal for calm and respect for the new champion.

This time the atmosphere as she collected the trophy could not have been more different.

The Rod Laver Arena, which sounded evenly split in terms of support during the match, erupted when she finally sealed victory after two hours and 27 minutes.

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.”

What was similar to Osaka’s US Open victory, however, was a match also filled with intense drama.

Serve ruled in a tight first set before Osaka dominated the tie-break to edge ahead, boosted by the knowledge she had won her previous 59 matches after winning the opener.

That extraordinary record, which stretches back to 2016, meant Kvitova knew the importance of making a fast start to the second set – and she did that by breaking for a 2-0 lead.

Osaka immediately broke back, though, going on to move within touching distance of the match before another dramatic twist.

I can’t believe I played in Grand Slam final again – tearful Kvitova

Kvitova was contesting her first Grand Slam final since her second Wimbledon win in 2014, with many fans hoping she could cap one of the sport’s most inspirational stories with a fairytale finish.

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.”

Kvitova wiped away tears as the Laver crowd burst into supportive cheers and applause.

After showing extraordinary determination to return to the sport, Kvitova also demonstrated her fight on the court to take her first Australian Open final into a decider.

Trailing 5-3 in the second set, she survived three championship points by landing five successive first serves and then broke to level at 5-5.

That put Kvitova in the ascendancy as Osaka grew nervous and frustrated, the Czech winning 18 of the final 22 points to surprise most watching by giving them a third set.

An easy hold at the start of the decider put her ahead before the Japanese regained composure, Kvitova double-faulting to hand over the key break point, which Osaka punished with a backhand.

Defeat means Kvitova also missed out on becoming the world number one for the first time, although she will rise to second when the rankings are released on Monday.

What the tennis world said on social media

Former world number one Martina Navratilova: “Well, after winning the US Open Naomi Osaka became a star. And now, after winning the Australian Open and becoming world number one, she is a superstar! Congratulations Champ. And Petra Kvitova – you are the champion of life!!!”

Former world number one Billie Jean King: “Congratulations to the two-time Grand Slam champion, Naomi Osaka! Your future is so bright, and your talent, drive, and determination will take you far.”

French player Alize Cornet: “What a final! Thank you ladies for showing such strength, determination, courage and resilience! You are both great inspiration to all of us.”

Analysis

BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller

Osaka has come an enormously long way in a very, very short time. At the age of 21, she has won back-to-back Grand Slams and this time she can rejoice in the moment. This is her moment. She has won it in dramatic style after a fabulous comeback from Kvitova.

She is the first player in 18 years to win a first Grand Slam title and then follow it up by winning her second. What an extraordinarily resilient woman, what an extraordinary player.

• Live scores, schedule and results
• Alerts: Get tennis news sent to your phone

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will renew their long-standing rivalry in an Australian Open final where both can create new records.

Djokovic is aiming for a record seventh men’s Melbourne title, while Nadal can become the first man in the Open era to win all the Grand Slams at least twice.

Sunday’s match will be an ATP record-extending 53rd meeting between them.

“It is the biggest rivalry we’ve seen in tennis history,” Australian former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said.

The top two seeds meet at Melbourne Park for the first time since their epic five-set final in 2012, which Djokovic won with almost six hours on the clock.

The pair have produced some of the greatest matches, meeting in:

• Seven Grand Slam finals
• Five Grand Slam semi-finals
• 17 other Tour-level finals
• 13 other Tour-level semi-finals
• One Olympic semi-final

Djokovic, 31, leads their head-to-head 27-25, with eight victories in their past 10 matches – including their memorable 2018 Wimbledon semi-final five-setter which stretched over two days.

“I’ve played so many matches against him, epic matches on this court,” said the Serb.

“I’m sure we’re going to have a good final.”

Spaniard Nadal, 32, said he was happy to have shared “very special moments” on court with Djokovic.

“We push each other to the limit of our tennis level,” he added. “Sunday is going to be another episode.”

• Live scores, schedule and results
• Follow the Australian Open on BBC TV, radio and online
• Alerts: Get tennis news sent to your phone

Djokovic has best chance of eclipsing Federer – Laver

Djokovic set up the tantalising final with a comprehensive semi-final win over French 28th seed Lucas Pouille, which he described as one of his best performances in Melbourne.

Spain’s Nadal, meanwhile, has not dropped a set in his six matches here.

Whoever wins will move closer to Roger Federer’s all-time record of 20 Grand Slam victories, although Australian great Rod Laver believes Djokovic is best placed to overhaul the Swiss.

Djokovic has won 14 majors after his Wimbledon and US Open victories last year, while Nadal has 17 after claiming the 2018 French Open.

“When you look at his age and form in winning the last two, I’d say Djokovic has the best chance of eclipsing Federer,” said 11-time Grand Slam singles champion Laver, 80.

Djokovic ‘more confident’ after beating Nadal at Wimbledon

Djokovic says beating Nadal at Wimbledon last year “mentally turned things around the most” for him.

Ranked outside the world’s top 20 earlier that year after elbow surgery, Djokovic beat Kevin Anderson in the final for his first Grand Slam title since the 2016 French Open.

He followed that by winning the US Open in September and reclaiming the world number one spot in November.

“Winning against Nadal 10-8 in the fifth set, that has catapulted me mentally to a different, more confident self,” Djokovic said.

“It has allowed me to then excel in the months to come after that.”

Nadal ‘surprised’ by form

Nadal is playing in his first tournament since the US Open after injury problems and has been surprised by his level of performance in Melbourne.

“I am happy that I am competing that well that early. That’s the most important thing,” he said.

“I felt myself playing well in practice before the tournament. Then you have to compete, see if you can make that happen in the competition.

“I am very happy to have that feeling again. Of course, it is a little bit surprising that it happens that early.”

‘I don’t want Djokovic to beat my record’

Six-time champion Djokovic is tied with Australian great Roy Emerson and Federer in terms of all-time victories in Melbourne.

Emerson, 82, said he is backing Nadal for victory because he does not want to see his record, set in 1967 and matched by Federer in 2018, beaten.

“Well, I don’t want Djokovic to do it,” he joked. “I don’t have that many records to brag about.

“But my six doesn’t look too good.

“Djokovic is still young and can still make all sorts of records.

“If he keeps himself in shape, like Federer, he’s got another two or three years where he’ll be winning majors.”

Analysis

Lindsay Davenport, three-time Grand Slam singles champion

Nadal’s big push in the off-season has been his serve, trying to get it on to the opponent much faster than he had been.

That allows him to play offensive in the second or third shot in the rally.

The toughest person to do that against is Djokovic, the best returner, and it will be interesting to see if Rafa tries to do anything differently – tries to put more miles per hour on his serve than their last meeting or if he tries to take the next ball earlier.

The way Rafa has played this tournament has been exceptional – but that’s not easy to do against Novak.

How they compare

Just how unpredictable is women’s tennis?

Before Naomi Osaka and Petra Kvitova face each other in Saturday’s Australian Open final, we’re asking you how many of the 18 women’s Grand Slam singles champions of the past decade you can name.

It would not take you long to do the same for the men’s game – over the same period there have been just seven different names on the 40 trophies.

You’ve got five minutes to name every woman to have won a major since 2009.

• Live scores, schedule and results
• Follow the Australian Open on BBC TV, radio and online
• Alerts: Get tennis news sent to your phone