Plaudits flow as Osaka 'beyond excited' to be number one

Naomi Osaka fulfilled a long-held dream Saturday by becoming the world number one after winning the Australian Open, and some of the greats of the game forecast a dazzling future for the young Japanese star.

The 21-year-old US Open champion held her nerve to battle past Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 and claim back-to-back Grand Slams, becoming the first Asian, male or female, to hold the top ranking in the process.

"I'm beyond excited to become the new world No.1," she said after dislodging Romania's Simona Halep.

"I've always dreamt of being in this position and I am honoured to be part of the elite group of players who have reached the No.1 ranking."

At 21 years, 104 days old, she is the youngest player to be on top of the world since Caroline Wozniacki reached the pinnacle in 2010 at 20 years and 92 days old.

After making the semi-finals at the China Open last October, Osaka became the second Japanese woman to break into the Top 5, following Kimiko Date who reached No.4 in ...