by If Naomi Osaka wants to re-enter tennis’ elite, the US Open is a natural place for her.
The two-time US Open champion defeated No. 10 seed Jeļena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-2 in the first round on Tuesday, marking her first victory against a top 10 opponent in four years. Osaka’s most recent victory came against Kiki Bertans at the 2020 Brisbane International.
Osaka, 26, was visibly emotional after the match:
The form on display was vintage Osaka, who overwhelmed Ostapenko in a way that should be familiar to anyone who has seen Osaka win Grand Slam titles. It started with a dominant serve, as she won 24 of 30 first serve points with nine aces and zero double faults.
Wearing a neon green Tinkerbell outfit, Osaka committed only five unforced errors in two sets, compared to 21 for Ostapenko, and did not miss a single break point.
From the US Open:
“[Ostapenko] I hit some really good shots, and I said to myself, “Keep going, keep going, keep fighting for every point, and maybe you’ll get an opportunity.” Finally, I did it.”
Osaka will advance to face another former top 10 player, Karolína Muchová, whose 2024 season was derailed by a wrist injury. A victory on Thursday would give Osaka its first appearance in the third round of a Grand Slam since the 2022 Australian Open.
Osaka hasn’t reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam since winning the 2021 Australian Open, which is a very long time in tennis. Months after winning the 2021 Australian Open, Osaka put her career on hold, citing mental health issues, amid controversy over her refusal to speak to the media at the French Open. She struggled to find form upon her return and took another break after losing her temper at the US Open.
The 2022 season wasn’t much better for Osaka, as she struggled with injuries and consistency, then took off all of 2023 after announcing she was pregnant. She is now returning in 2024.
After losing in the first round of this year’s Australian Open, Osaka gave world number one Iga Swiatek a scare at the French Open, taking the eventual champion to match point. In total, she is 18-15 this year, without a title.
