Naomi Osaka was poised and dominant during her U.S. Open semifinal victory over Madison Keys, 6-2, 6-4, on Thursday night.

The 20-year-old Japanese player surely had a lot going through her mind, but on the court afterward, ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi asked how she managed to save 13 break points in the intense match against Keys, Osaka’s already delightful interview grew even more charming.

“This is gonna sounds really bad, but I was just thinking, ‘I really wanna play Serena.'”

13 break points saved…How did you do that? "I just really want to play Serena"@Naomi_Osaka_ 😂#USOpen pic.twitter.com/rdTXNh4Ehx — US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2018

Naomi Osaka: “I really want to play Serena”

Tom Rinaldi: “Why?”

Osaka: “Because she’s Serena” — J.A. Adande (@jadande) September 7, 2018

Osaka will get her wish and will take on Serena Williams in the U.S. Open final Saturday.

Unlike most players who face the GOAT, Osaka actually has a 1-0 lead after the two had their first meeting earlier this year at the Miami Open in March. The major difference between Williams then and now is she was early in her return from maternity leave and now looks close to her old self with powerful performances at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

While all Osaka wanted to do was play her hero in a Grand Slam final, Rinaldi asked her if she had a message for Williams ahead of their match. Talking trash isn’t Osaka’s style, and adorably, she took this as another opportunity to praise Serena.

“I love you!” Osaka said giggling.

Naomi Osaka's message to Serena before they face each other in the US Open final? "I love you." 😂😭 pic.twitter.com/B7m8FzJWjm — espnW (@espnW) September 7, 2018

It’s hard not to love this endearing 20-year-old up-and-coming player.

The women’s U.S. Open final between Osaka and Williams is Saturday at 4 p.m. at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.