Naomi Osaka vs Serena Williams Record | Prediction | H2H: Aus Open Semi-Finals

Naomi Osaka vs Serena Williams Semi-Finals Build up:

A blockbuster showdown is all set to enthrall the tennis aficionados as a heavyweight clash will take place in the semifinals of the Australian Open 2021 between third seed Naomi Osaka and 10th seed Serena Williams. 

In a piece of welcome news for the fans, the organizers announced that 12,500 fans per day will be allowed for the semifinals and finals after the end of the 5-day lockdown announced by the Victorian Government came to an end in Melbourne. 

Naomi Osaka blitzed past Hsieh-Su Wei thrashing her 6-2 6-2 in the quarterfinals. The Japanese smashed 7 aces and won 89% of her first-serve points in an impressive performance. 

On the other hand, Serena Williams proved to be too hot to handle for the second seed Simona Halep. The American got into a perfect rhythm right from the start with her smart movement on the court, powerful groundstrokes, and stellar defense. 

The 23-time grand slam champion romped home to a 6-3, 6-3 victory gaining revenge for her loss to the Romanian in the finals of the Wimbledon 2019.

 Serena Williams hit 4 aces, 24 winners, committed 33 unforced errors and claimed 77% of her first-serve points. 

Naomi Osaka vs Serena Williams H2H Record

Naomi Osaka leads the head-to-head record against Serena Williams 2-1. Serena recently defeated Osaka in three sets in a Day at the Drive exhibition tournament held in Adelaide on January 29. 

Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka Game Analysis

Serena Williams has used her big-hitting to good effect in Melbourne Park by staying aggressive throughout all her matches. She would be hungry to grab her 24th grand slam to equal the record with the legendary Margaret Court. Her 23rd slam also came in the 2017 Australian Open when she was pregnant. 

Naomi Osaka has been relying on her quick-strike style of play and control from the baseline to reap rich dividends. 

"I am really happy with how I played today, every time I play her (Hsieh), it is such a battle, even though the score was like this it was actually really another battle for me, her shot-making, she is able to hit winners from both sides and you don't know when she is about to go forward," said Osaka praising her opponent Hsieh after notching up a victory in the quarterfinals. 

"She is such a strong player on the court and you know she is such an inspirational person off the court, I have been watching her and I am sure she is been watching me, and I feel this is such a good opportunity for me to keep doing my best, I have an incredible opponent to play, so it would be nice to hopefully keep raising the level of my game" opined Serena Williams lauding Naomi Osaka ahead of the big match in the semis. 

Did you know?

• Serena Williams is playing her 9th Australian Open semifinal and 40th grand slam semifinal.
• The 23-time Grand Slam winner has never lost a semifinal in the Australian Open in her career winning all her eight matches so far.
• Naomi Osaka is targeting a shot at her second Australian Open title after triumphing here in 2019.
• Serena Williams equaled Roger Federer's record of 362 grand slam wins with her victory against Halep in the quarterfinals.
• Serena Williams won her first grand slam match in the 1998 Australian Open.
• Naomi Osaka is on a 19-match winning streak.
• Osaka has never lost a match after reaching the grand slam quarterfinals in her career so far. Her win-loss record is 10-0.
• Serena Williams has won her last 12 matches against top-3 ranked opponents.
• Serena has a staggering 92-12 win-loss record in the Australian Open while Osaka has a 20-4 record.

Performance in the 2020 Australian Open

Serena Williams - lost in the third round to Wang Qiang in three sets 

Naomi Osaka - was defeated by Cori Gauff in the third round in straight sets

Statistical Comparison of Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams in this year's Australian Open

Naomi Osaka vs Serena Williams Prediction:

Osaka's consistency is unmatched on the WTA Tour. She keeps her calm in pressure situations and can deliver during big occasions. Serena William's determination and willpower to succeed and continue her legacy deserves applause and she will be the hungriest player to lay the hands on the silverware by clinching her 24th grand slam. The first set may prove to be pivotal in deciding the outcome of the match.

In this battle between two former World number 1's, the player who holds their nerve and grabs the crucial points will turn out to be the winner.

Prediction - Serena Williams to win in three sets against Naomi Osaka

Featured Image Credits - Jason Heidrich/Icon Sportswire via Getty; Cameron Spencer/Getty