NEW YORK—Naomi Osaka wanted to make an impression.
Instead, it was a total imposition.
Watch: Serena One Win From 24th Major Title
When Indian Wells champion Osaka faced off against her tennis idol Serena Williams for the first time, she didn't show a shred of hero worship.
Osaka obliterated Williams, 6-3, 6-2, in the Miami Open opener in March.
“I was extremely nervous coming on to the court. I don’t know if anybody knows this, but Serena is my favorite player,” said Osaka, who did not face a break point in the match. “Just playing against her is kind of like a dream for me, so I’m very grateful that I was able to play her, and it’s even better that I was able to win.”
It was just the fourth match of Williams' comeback from maternity leave.
The six-time US Open champion was so down by the blow-out, she blew off the customary post-match press conference that day.
Playing dynamic all-court tennis tonight, Williams won 12 of the final 13 games sweeping Anastasija Sevastova to roar into her ninth US Open final
The former No. 1 said she expects an entirely different match when she meets Osaka in the final.
"Well, it was good that I played her because I kind of know how she plays now," Williams said. "I mean, I was breast-feeding at the time, so it was a totally different situation. It was what it was. I mean, hopefully I won't play like that again. I can only go up from that match."
Photo credit: Miami Open Facebook