Petra Kvitova could save three championship points in the second set.
She could hold serve from 0-40 down in the third set to avoid falling a double-break behind.
But she couldn’t produce a third escape act in the pulsating Australian Open women’s final, a decider to live long in the memory.
Kvitova played her part in Saturday night’s dramatic final, jumping off the canvas when all looked lost before submitting to the Japanese starlet 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-4.
Given what the Czech has been through off the court, it’s no surprise Kvitova would show such fighting qualities.
The victim of a home invasion two years ago, the two-time Wimbledon champion laid bare her struggle to regain form in the aftermath of her hand injuries.
“It’s crazy. I can’t believe I just played a final of a grand slam again,” she said on the presentation dais through tears.
“We didn’t know if I would be able to hold a racquet again.
“It was a great final. Well done Naomi … and congrats for being No.1 as well.
“It’s a big honour to hold this beautiful trophy as well. It’s been a while since being in a final for me.”
While Osaka was a deserving winner, Kvitova let slip two big chances to claim the championship herself.
The first set was played on her terms, but she botched the big points, losing all five of her break points before Osaka won the tiebreak.
Having claimed the second set, she took all the momentum into the decider – winning 23 of 27 points into Osaka’s first service game of the third set – but dropped her level once more.
In any case, Kvitova looked genuinely delighted when she received her runners up plate.
The victory was getting there.
Osaka was deferential to the soon-to-be world No.2, who hadn’t dropped a set until the final and looked to have returned as a major force on tour.
“I’ve always wanted to play you and you have been through so much,” Osaka said.
“I wouldn’t have wanted this to be our first match.
“Huge congrats to you and your team. You are really amazing and I am really honoured to have played you in the final of a grand slam.”
