US Open 2018: 5 things to know about first-time Grand Slam finalist Naomi Osaka

5. First Japanese woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final in Open Era

A big day for Japan

Osaka is one of several young mixed-race athletes who are challenging Japan's image as a racially homogeneous country. Her win in the final will really be great for more inclusiveness in Japan.

By winning the semis, she created history for her country as she became the first Japanese woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open Era. One major newspaper even hailed her as "a new heroine Japan can be proud of".

She thus emulated countryman Kei Nishikori's feat, four years after the Japanese made it to the US Open final after a sensational run.