Naomi Osaka faces a talented Jennifer Brady in an Australian Open final which shapes to be a potential classic

The 2021 Australian Open has seemingly been a giant exercise in contrast.

Cool nights giving into scorching days.

Raucous crowds turning into lockdown-induced silent stands. Favourites making expected runs, and rising stars making their name.

On the women’s side of the 2021 tournament, two athletes remain — three-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka and rising American star Jennifer Brady.

Both have played exceptional tennis to get this far and navigated through a minefield of talent on both sides of the draw.

Naomi Osaka is perhaps the most singular talent in women’s tennis right now.

Her ability to overpower opponents is core to her game, winning cheap points along the way.

Since the restart of professional tennis in August 2020, Osaka…