Osaka's run ends but not without epic memories

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. — Naomi Osaka was knocked out of the Miami Open by world No. 4 Elina Svitolina, but she has so much to be happy about.

The 20-year-old's hot streak had to end at some point, and she was feeling sick with a stomach issue—though that didn't take anything away from Svitolina's great play in the 6-4, 6-2 showdown.

Osaka has picked up some memories of a lifetime over the past two weeks with wins over the likes of Maria Sharapova, Agnieszka Radwanska, Karolina Pliskova, Simona Halep and Serena Williams.

The win over Serena was her greatest, as the 23-time Grand Slam champion is her biggest idol.

"She's the main reason why I started playing tennis, and just, I have seen her on TV so many times and I have always been cheering for her," Osaka said.

She was far from mad with her Miami Open draw, facing Williams in the first round of Miami after winning Indian Wells on Sunday.

"Just really excited, because I have always wanted to play her," Osaka said. "So to get the opportunity, I was just really happy. It was sort of like a dream."

Asked what her best moment was so far, Osaka's answer was expected:

"Definitely playing Serena. But also just the matches leading up to the final, and the final itself," Osaka said. "Of course, winning the final was really cool. I've always dreamed of playing Serena, so I think that's my No. 1."

Her ranking will rise to a career-high No. 21.

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