Osaka lost the first set 6-1 and looked to be dejected against Azarenka who has made a comeback in her own right as of late to the foray including victory in the Western & Southern Open final after tonight's victor withdrew.

Azarenka had a shot to go 3-0 up in the second set and looked to be cruising to victory; but Osaka after surviving that scare started to gain momentum; and dispelled the now three time runner-up in just under two hours.

As alluded to, Azarenka made an incredible start to proceedings and swept the first set 6-1 in just under half an hour breaking Osaka three times in the set; with the number four seed only being broken five times all tournament.

The former dictated the play and claimed a double break in the first set; with Osaka overhitting and looking pretty lost on Arthur Ashe.

The former World No.1 held for 5-1 and went on to claim it from there - the difference between the two was shown with 13 unforced errors for Osaka and only 3 for Azarenka. The Belarusian also only missed one first serve in the whole set (16/17).

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It was time for a pivotal second set which could lead to either an Osaka comeback or Azarenka achieving a first US Open title. The latter continued her momentum and was on three break points for a 2-0 lead which she achieved; as Osaka could only slice it into the net with Azarenka very much unplayable.

On court while the two time Australian Open champion looked fired up, Osaka tried to find something; she had the opportunity for a break point at advantage which was her first of the contest.

A couple of loose shots saw the masterclass halted momentarily; as Osaka claimed a break which could prove timely in her comeback. She began to motor claiming two aces; as it went from being a potential 3-0 to being 2-2.

Azarenka soaked up the heat in the tie and went 3-2 up holding serve; but a quick time game from Osaka to love saw it at 3-3. Game very much on.

The former pulled a shot at 40-15 down and Osaka broke again to make it 4-3 and as Azarenka's level dropped, the Japanese ace got more confident.

Azarenka was serving to stay in the set with just under an hour played. They continued to battle with the former having two opportunities at advantage but being denied by brilliance from Osaka both times.

A third went into the net and another thundering shot from Osaka saw her have another set point which she claimed.

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Osaka went ahead for the very first time in the match at 1-0 up in the final set. Azarenka responded and started to get animated at 1-1.

This was to no avail as Osaka was in charge at 2-1 up. A double fault was a show of how the match was shifting in her favour as Azarenka suffered a break to go 3-1 down.

A lapse though from Osaka saw Azarenka herself get immediate break points back at 0-40. But all three chances went with it set at deuce.

It was soon advantage to Osaka who took the opportunity. It was 4-1 and she looked every inch the champion barring a late comeback.

After Azarenka looked to break herself, another break was set the way for Osaka but like the last game, it was deuce. But after a back and forth end to the game, Azarenka held with an ace to keep herself in proceedings.

She was down 40-15 in the requisite game but again held advantage for a break of serve which she claimed. It was officially back on serve.

An immediate break back was set for Osaka who claimed it to go one away from victory. A shot into the net after some resilience from Azarenka saw the 22-year-old claim victory on the second championship point.

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