Naomi Osaka sports Kobe Bryant jersey after US Open semi-final win over J Brady

Tennis star Naomi Osaka showed her class on Thursday as he fought hard to seal her place in US Open 2020 final after beating Jennifer Brady 7-6 (1), 3-6, 6-3. With game tied at 1-1,  22-year-old showed sheer ruthlessness to bag win, to set up a summit clash with Victoria Azarenka, who stunned legendary Serena Williams in or semi-final. After her win, Naomi Osaka paid a tribute to her mentor Kobe Bryant, who tragically passed away earlier this year. 

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Naomi Osaka Kobe Jersey: Tennis star pays tribute to mentor Kobe Bryant after US Open SF win 

Naomi Osaka has frequently used her attire to make statements and on Thursday, she wore a Kobe Bryant jersey after her US Open 2020 semi-final win. late Los Angeles lakers legend was her mentor before his untimely passing and 22-year-old is keen on continuing his legacy. Naomi Osaka Kobe jersey was caught on camera as she was on bench watching or semi-final after her win over Jennifer Brady. Naomi Osaka Kobe jersey instanly struck a chord with her fans, who wished her very best ahead of US Open final against Victoria Azarenka.  22-year-old also has 'KB' patch on her kit bag, which represent initials of late Kobe Bryant. 

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Naomi Osaka had posted an emotional letter after Kobe Bryant's death in January, reavling how NBA legend inspired and motivated her. 22-year-old had written that former Lakers star will always be her big bror and mentor and thanked him for caring and checking up on her. NaomiOsaka furr wrote that she was lucky eugh to have kwn Kobe Bryant and expressed her gratitude in teaching her so much in such a short time. Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter were among nine fatalities of an unfortunate helicopter crash on January 26. Osaka was one of many athletes who featured in NIke's short film Be Better, inspired by Lakers legend. 

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US Open 2020: Naomi Osaka sets up final clash with Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams crashes out 

Victoria Azarenka rolled back years as she ousted Serena Williams in US Open 2020 semi-final on Thursday. former World .1 ralloed for a 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory, to reach her first ever US Open final since 2013. After a first set marred by double faults and unforced errors, Belarusian turned tide in second set and upped her game to claim what was her first ever win over Serena Williams in a Grand Slam. two-time champion will w face ar two-time Grand Slam champion in Naomi Osaka, in what promises to be a pulsating contest on Sunday.

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(Im Courtesy: AP)