While Brady showed glimpses of brilliance, mainly in a brave first-set fight back, it was Osaka that that found her rhythm and moved away with her fourth grand slam crown in blustery conditions at Melbourne Park.<\/a><\/p>\n Despite the loss, the American could hold her head high after a commendable showing on Rod Laver Arena. And, speaking in the aftermath of the drama, a gracious Brady led a tribute to her mother back home in the United States.<\/p>\n "Thanks to all the fans back home watching, mum I know you're watching right now in front of the TV probably crying," Brady said, coaxing a laugh out of the crowd.<\/p>\n "It was special to play Infront of fans in my first grand slam final so hopefully I'm standing on stage next time with this girl (trophy) over here. Tonight, it wasn't meant to be but hopefully, there's many more.<\/p>\n "I would like to say thanks to my team, Michael and Daniel, without you guys I wouldn't be standing here tonight so thank you very much for what you've done for me and let's keep going for more."<\/p>\n Brady also saved a special mention for Osaka who she congratulated for inspiring young girls around the world.<\/p>\n "I'd like to congratulate Naomi," she said. "She's such an inspiration to us all and what she's doing for the game is amazing in getting the sport out there.<\/p>\n "I hope young girls are at home watching and are inspired by what she's doing."<\/p>\n For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by<\/strong><\/em> clicking here!<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
![\"Australian](\"https:\/\/vms-network-images-prod.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com\/2021\/02\/344019\/pickerImage.jpg\")
<\/p>\n