3 minute read

Rising American Jennifer Brady has lost the Australian Open final against Naomi Osaka but she believes her first major isn't far off.

Despite falling achingly short at the Australian Open, Jennifer Brady believes her first grand slam title isn't far away.

The American succumbed 6-4 6-3 to Naomi Osaka in Saturday night's final at Melbourne Park, with the Japanese powerhouse also winning their US Open semi-final battle last September in three thrilling sets.

But those results have fuelled 25-year-old Brady's belief that a major one will come - and soon.

"I think I belong at this level - I think winning a grand slam is totally achievable - it's within reach," said Brady, whose ranking will climb from world No.24 to a career-high 13th on Monday.

"I was nervous, it didn't go my way, but at the same time coming off court, I was, like, 'OK that feels a little bit normal'.

"I'm not one to set a date for things, but I would say it would just happen when it happens.

"When I'm put in that position or given myself that opportunity, I think I'll be ready for it."

Despite a shaky start big-serving Brady had opportunities against the world No.3 that could have turned the match.

She had a break point in the first set at 4-4 and then serving at 4-5, she blew a 40-15 lead to hand Osaka the first set.

Her opponent took the momentum to reel off the next four games and the match was effectively over.

She said that ruthless Osaka played the big points better, and that was something that she needed to improve.

Osaka herself predicted more grand slam finals between the pair.

"Of course I was lucky because it was her first slam final, but for sure I'm going to see her in many more," Osaka said.

"We played in the semi of the US Open a couple months ago. I told everyone that would listen that you're gonna be a problem - and I was right.

"It's really incredible for me, it's really hard to play you, and to see your growth over the past few months is really cool."

Brady's deep run Australian Open amazingly came on the back of two weeks in hard hotel lockdown and she joked that it might have been the difference in Saturday night's outcome.

"I made my first grand slam final, so maybe if I wasn't in quarantine I would have won - maybe," she said.

"I don't think it really hampered me much ... who knows - you really don't know."

She said that regardless of the result she was proud of the achievement.

"Proud of myself, my team, for what we achieved here, reaching my first grand slam final but I'm walking away with the runner-up trophy, not the winner's trophy, so that's a little bit sad," Brady said.

"But I would say I'm pretty happy with my performance over the past couple weeks."