Naomi Osaka confirmed her status as one of the rising stars of women’s tennis by beating Daria Kasatkina in the final of Indian Wells.
The Japanese youngster, who defeated Maria Sharapova in the first round and beat world number one Simona Halep in the semi-finals, followed up those impressive wins with a convincing 6-3 6-2 victory over her Russian opponent in the final.
It was an unexpected showpiece with 20-year-old Kasatkina having beaten Venus Williams in her semi-final.
Osaka, ranked 44 in the world, dominated the match to lift her first ever WTA title and at 20-years-old become the youngest champion at Indian Wells since Ana Ivanovic in 2008.
Osaka will move up to number 22 in the world with the result.
More: Tennis
Naomi Osaka confirmed her status as one of the rising stars of women’s tennis by beating Daria Kasatkina in the final of Indian Wells.
The Japanese youngster, who defeated Maria Sharapova in the first round and beat world number one Simona Halep in the semi-finals, followed up those impressive wins with a convincing 6-3 6-2 victory over her Russian opponent in the final.
It was an unexpected showpiece with 20-year-old Kasatkina having beaten Venus Williams in her semi-final.
Osaka, ranked 44 in the world, dominated the match to lift her first ever WTA title and at 20-years-old become the youngest champion at Indian Wells since Ana Ivanovic in 2008.
Osaka will move up to number 22 in the world with the result.
