Whether or not Naomi Osaka claims the Australian Open championship — and make no mistake, she will be expected to win — this much seems certain: Tennis has a new dominant force.
STRETCHED OUT Japan's Naomi Osaka hits a forehand return to United States' Serena Williams during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 18, 2021. Osaka won in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. AP PHOTO