NEW YORK — On Tuesday afternoon, the world No 88, in the U.S. Open main draw as a wildcard, dominated the 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko in the U.S. Open first round.
While this might seem like a surprise victory, the wildcard in question is Naomi Osaka, a two-time champion at the tournament and one of the most popular players.
Osaka, despite being a natural introvert, exudes the presence of a superstar even as a wildcard. With her remarkable outfit, including a custom green tennis dress and a large green bow, combined with her powerful game, she easily defeated Ostapenko 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour.
Naomi Osaka produced an almost error-free display of tennis to dispatch Jelena Ostapenko (Robert Prange / Getty Images)
Flushing Meadows is where Osaka’s two greatest victories occurred. She won the U.S. Open title here in 2018 and 2020, solidifying her talent by defeating Serena Williams in the first final. Despite a difficult moment three years ago at the same venue, Osaka has returned stronger than ever.
After a break from the sport to give birth to her daughter, Shai, Osaka struggled on her return, but her victory over Ostapenko marked a triumphant comeback. Reflecting on her journey and the emotional aspects of returning to the court, Osaka expressed deep gratitude for the support she received.
Osaka, laying down on Arthur Ashe after winning the title in 2020, has opened up about her struggles in returning to tennis (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
Osaka’s return to form was a testament to her resilience and determination. Her victory over a formidable opponent like Ostapenko showcased her exceptional talent and mental toughness. As she progresses through the tournament, Osaka’s fans eagerly anticipate each match, knowing that she continues to shine on the court.
As Osaka navigates the challenges of her return to competitive tennis, her emotional victory over Ostapenko is a significant milestone in her career. With her sights now set on her next opponent, Muchova, Osaka remains focused on her journey back to the top.
(Top photo: Robert Prange/Getty Images)