By Naomi Osaka made an emotional and triumphant return to the US Open on Tuesday, defeating 10th-seeded Jelena Ostapenko in a high-profile first-round match. The Japanese star, a two-time champion at Flushing Meadows, secured a 6-3 6-2 victory in just 63 minutes.
Osaka, who won her first Grand Slam title in New York in 2018 and repeated the feat in 2020, missed last year’s tournament after giving birth to her daughter Shai. Her return to competitive tennis has been marked by both challenges and determination.
The former world number one struggled to contain her emotions after the match, covering her face with a towel as tears of joy and relief flowed. In her on-court interview, Osaka expressed her gratitude for being able to compete again.
“I was trying not to cry when I was walking out,” the 26-year-old said. “I remember last year I was watching Coco [Gauff] play and I so badly wanted to step on these courts again. I didn’t know if I could – athletically, physically, if I was able to. Just to play this match and be in this atmosphere means so much to me, so thank you.”
This victory marks Osaka’s first win against a top-10 player in four years, signaling a potential return to her dominant form. However, she faces a challenging path ahead, with former French Open finalist Karolina Muchova awaiting in the second round.
Osaka, who also claimed Australian Open titles in 2019 and 2021, had spoken candidly before the tournament about struggling to feel “like I’m in my body” since returning from maternity leave in January. Despite some notable performances, including a close match against eventual champion Iga Swiatek at the French Open, she has not progressed beyond the quarter-finals of any event this year.
When asked about her goals for the tournament, Osaka emphasized her desire to focus, play well, and most importantly, enjoy the experience. She also shared a touching anecdote about her daughter, highlighting the new balance she’s striking between motherhood and her professional career.
As Osaka continues her comeback journey, her performance at the US Open will be closely watched by fans and fellow players alike, serving as an inspiration for athletes balancing parenthood with high-level competition.
