Serena Williams speaks in preparation for facing ‘incredible opponent’ Naomi Osaka

Serena Williams praised Naomi Osaka as an “amazing opponent” in a press conference on Tuesday as the superstitious duo prepare to play together in the semifinals of the 2021 Australian Open on Thursday.

After defeating Simona Halep of Romania in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, Williams answered questions about how she felt about her upcoming game against Osaka Japan in a post-match interview.

“I feel good, I feel like … I’m here, I’m happy to be here, and I have to keep going, that’s the goal,” said Williams. “Of course, I have an amazing opponent to play, so it will be good to hopefully maintain the level of my game – I have to be.”

Elsewhere in the press conference, Williams described Osaka as a “strong player.”

“I feel like she does everything well, she has good service, she has a good return, she is strong on all sides,” said Williams. (See the clip below.)

Williams and Osaka played each other memorably at the 2018 U.S. Open, when umpire Carlos Ramos controversially fired three code-breakers. Osaka defeated Williams in that game, earning her first Grand Slam title.

Furor revolved around the infamous game over Osaka’s victory at the time, and the incident sparked a wave of racist and sexual attacks against Williams.

Williams addressed the controversial game in a 2019 essay for Harper’s Bazaar, sharing a note she sent to Osaka that read, somewhat:

“I had no idea the media would pit us against each other. I wish I had the chance to live at that moment again. I am, was, and will always be happy and supportive of you. I would never want the light to shine away from another woman, especially another black female athlete. ”

In an on-court interview at the Australian Open on Tuesday, Williams praised Osaka for being both a strong player and an off-court motivator.

“It’s great to see just someone who is so passionate about both,” she said.

Osaka, 23, who grew up Williams ‘idol, 39, noted in a post – match interview this week that she is always “watching Serena’ s games. ”

Williams is looking for her 24th Grand Slam singles title, which would tie up Margaret Court’s record, including the 13 Court winners before the Open.