2020 US Open September 12, 2020

Classic clash: The story in photos of the 2020 US Open singles final

Look back at top pictures from a scintillating three-set tussle in New York, as Naomi Osaka staged a comeback victory over fellow former World No.1 Victoria Azarenka in the 2020 US Open final.

Naomi Osaka entered Arthur Ashe Stadium for her third career Grand Slam final wearing her seventh mask of the fortnight to raise awareness of Black deaths in the USA, honoring Tamir Rice on Saturday. — 01 /12

Naomi Osaka entered Arthur Ashe Stadium for her third career Grand Slam final wearing her seventh mask of the fortnight to raise awareness of Black deaths in the USA, honoring Tamir Rice on Saturday.

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Victoria Azarenka walked on court for her fifth Grand Slam final. A win in the final would give her a third Grand Slam trophy, over seven years after her second -- which would be the longest gap between major titles in the Open Era. — 02 /12

Victoria Azarenka walked on court for her fifth Grand Slam final. A win in the final would give her a third Grand Slam trophy, over seven years after her second -- which would be the longest gap between major titles in the Open Era.

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Osaka came into the match aiming to win a Grand Slam title for the third straight year. She had a 2-0 record in Grand Slam finals before the match, winning at the 2018 US Open and the 2019 Australian Open. — 03 /12

Osaka came into the match aiming to win a Grand Slam title for the third straight year. She had a 2-0 record in Grand Slam finals before the match, winning at the 2018 US Open and the 2019 Australian Open.

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But it was Azarenka who had the hot start, dominating the first set, 6-1. The Belarusian missed just one first serve in the opening frame, claiming 12 of 16 first-serve points, while also breaking Osaka three times. — 04 /12

But it was Azarenka who had the hot start, dominating the first set, 6-1. The Belarusian missed just one first serve in the opening frame, claiming 12 of 16 first-serve points, while also breaking Osaka three times.

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Azarenka, the 2012 and 2013 Australian Open champion, held the momentum as the second set commenced, going up an early break, and was a point away from taking a commanding 3-0 lead. — 05 /12

Azarenka, the 2012 and 2013 Australian Open champion, held the momentum as the second set commenced, going up an early break, and was a point away from taking a commanding 3-0 lead.

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However, Osaka was able to grit out that game, earning her first service break of the day. That kicked off a run for Osaka, who won five of the next six games to notch the second set and level the encounter. — 06 /12

However, Osaka was able to grit out that game, earning her first service break of the day. That kicked off a run for Osaka, who won five of the next six games to notch the second set and level the encounter.

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Osaka leapt ahead 3-1 in the deciding set, and then bravely saved three break points to earn a hold for 4-1, putting her two games away from the trophy. — 07 /12

Osaka leapt ahead 3-1 in the deciding set, and then bravely saved three break points to earn a hold for 4-1, putting her two games away from the trophy.

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Azarenka continued to fight for her first US Open title in her third trip to the final, and the former World No.1 broke through with a break for 4-3, pulling her back on serve. — 08 /12

Azarenka continued to fight for her first US Open title in her third trip to the final, and the former World No.1 broke through with a break for 4-3, pulling her back on serve.

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In the end, it was Osaka who powered her way to the final two games of the clash, collecting a 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 comeback victory over Azarenka to clinch her second US Open crown. — 09 /12

In the end, it was Osaka who powered her way to the final two games of the clash, collecting a 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 comeback victory over Azarenka to clinch her second US Open crown.

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The high-quality clash took an hour and 53 minutes, and both players had more winners than unforced errors. Osaka finished with 34 winners to 26 unforced errors, while Azarenka's ratio was 30 to 23. — 10 /12

The high-quality clash took an hour and 53 minutes, and both players had more winners than unforced errors. Osaka finished with 34 winners to 26 unforced errors, while Azarenka's ratio was 30 to 23.

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Azarenka was unable to get over the final hurdle, but she still posted an 11-1 win-loss record at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center over the past month. She is projected to rise from World No.27 to No.14 in the rankings on Monday. — 11 /12

Azarenka was unable to get over the final hurdle, but she still posted an 11-1 win-loss record at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center over the past month. She is projected to rise from World No.27 to No.14 in the rankings on Monday.

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Osaka claimed her third Grand Slam title via her third win in four career meetings with Azarenka. The former World No.1 is projected to rise from World No.9 to No.3 in the updated rankings on Monday. — 12 /12

Osaka claimed her third Grand Slam title via her third win in four career meetings with Azarenka. The former World No.1 is projected to rise from World No.9 to No.3 in the updated rankings on Monday.

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