US Open women’s final: Serena Williams vs. Naomi Osaka predictions, betting odds, TV

Serena Williams can equal a grand slam record if she wins the US Open women’s singles title against Naomi Osaka in the New York final on Saturday.

Williams, who is 36, is a six-time winner at Flushing Meadows. Victory against Osaka would give her a 24th grand slam title, equalling Margaret Court’s record.

Since making her return to tennis after giving birth in September last year, the American has now made the final of two grand slams, but she lost at Wimbledon against Angelique Kerber.

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In the semi-final in New York, Williams beat Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova 6-3 6-0. She was delighted to reach her ninth US Open final following the health scare she had last year after the birth of her daughter.

“I got a little emotional out there because last year I was literally fighting for my life in the hospital,” she told the New York Times.

“I think I was on my fourth surgery by now. What is today? I was on my third surgery. I had one more to go still.

“To come from that, in the hospital bed, not being able to move and walk and do anything. Now only a year later, I’m not training, but I’m actually in these finals, in two in a row [Wimbledon and New York].

“Like I said, this is the beginning. I’m not there yet. I’m on the climb still. So no matter what happens in any match, I already feel like I have already won.”

‘I really wanted to play Serena’

Japan’s Osaka is through to her debut grand slam final after defeating American Madison Keys 6-2 6-4 in the final four.

The 20-year-old is also the first Japanese women to reach a grand slam final. She told the BBC: “This is going to sound really bad… but I was just thinking – I really wanted to play Serena. Because she’s Serena.”

US Open women’s final guide

What time does the women’s final start?

The women’s singles final between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka starts in New York at 9pm (UK time) on Saturday night and the match will be played on the main court at Flushing Meadows, Arthur Ashe Stadium.

How to watch the final

In the UK, Amazon Prime Video will show live coverage of the US Open grand slam. Tennis fans can watch the women’s final for free if they subscribe to a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Predictions: who will win the women’s final?

Brett Margulies, Last Word on Tennis: “I’d give a slight edge to Serena just based on experience alone. Osaka will eventually win many majors in her career, but I like Serena’s chances to get her seventh US Open title on Saturday. Prediction: Williams in two sets.”

Yesh Ginsburg, Last Word on Tennis: “Osaka has looked so good this entire tournament. She has been dominant throughout her matches and has never let the occasion get to her. She is definitely playing at a higher level than Serena right now. The only question is whether she can keep her nerves in check and if she can keep her intensity up. It’s tough, but I’ll say she can. This is going to be the start of a historic career. Prediction: Osaka in three sets.”

Todd Martin, US Open finalist in 1999, speaking to Cheddar: “I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s Serena’s tournament to win or lose, but she has gotten to that stage in the tournament where she’s the only one who’s ever won a Major before, and she’s playing really well. She’s reasserted herself as, really, the best player in the game.”

Williams vs. Osaka betting odds

Latest prices according to Oddschecker (as of 7 September).

• Serena Williams to win: 3/7
• Naomi Osaka to win: 12/5

Set betting

• Serena Williams 2-0: 21/10
• Serena Williams 2-1: 3/1
• Naomi Osaka 2-0: 19/4
• Naomi Osaka 2-1: 6/1