Naomi Osaka Overcomes Ostapenko in US Open Comeback

Naomi Osaka made an emotional and triumphant return to the US Open defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-2 in the first round. The victory was especially poignant for Osaka, a two-time US Open champion who missed last year’s tournament after giving birth to her daughter, Shai. Osaka, who won her first Grand Slam title in New York in 2018 and repeated the feat in 2020 had watched the event from the stands in 2023, fueling her desire to return to competition.

In her comeback match, Osaka faced a formidable opponent in the 10th-seeded Latvian Ostapenko. Despite the challenge, Osaka finished the match in just 63 minutes showcasing her resilience and skill. After the win, she was visibly moved, covering her face with a towel and crying tears of joy and relief. In her on-court interview, the 26-year-old Osaka expressed her emotions, reflecting on how watching Coco Gauff play last year intensified her longing to return to the courts.

She admitted to doubts about her athletic ability and physical readiness but was grateful for the opportunity to compete again. Osaka’s victory over Ostapenko marked her first win against a top-10 player in four years. Since returning to the WTA Tour in January after giving birth, Osaka has had some notable performances but has not advanced beyond the quarter-finals in any event. She acknowledged the challenges ahead including a tough second-round matchup against former French Open finalist Karolina Muchova.

Discussing her goals for the tournament, Naomi Osaka emphasized focusing on her performance while also enjoying the experience. She shared a touching moment about her daughter’s sleep troubles and how precious such moments are to her. Osaka’s return to the US Open signifies both personal and professional milestones as she continues to balance her roles as a mother and a top tennis player.