ECNETNews, New York, NY, August 28, 2024: Tennis sensation Naomi Osaka, embracing her Caribbean heritage, has made a triumphant return to the US Open, clinching her first major victory in over four years by defeating top-10 player Jelena Ostapenko from Latvia. After opening up about her mental health struggles since taking maternity leave, Osaka demonstrated her renewed skills with a powerful first-round performance.
Osaka not only impressed on the court at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center but also made a notable fashion statement. Sporting a custom Nike ensemble with a vibrant green ruffled skirt and a stylish white bow, the four-time Grand Slam champion showcased resilience and style, demonstrating her determination to overcome a challenging season.
Playing in front of a cheering crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Osaka displayed unmatched positivity and focus, overcoming her Latvian opponent, who had significantly more match wins this year.
Overcome with emotion after her victory, Osaka expressed her gratitude for the support from the crowd. “I so badly wanted to step on these courts again,” she shared. “I didn’t know if I could. … Just to win this match, just to be in this atmosphere, means so much to me.”
Osaka’s performance was commendable, registering no unforced errors in the first set and closing the match with only five, a striking contrast to Ostapenko’s tally. Reflecting on her achievement, she smiled and remarked, “I do remember thinking, ‘I need to win this match so I can wear my other color.’ That was very important to me.”
Currently ranked 88th in the world, Osaka secured a wild card entry into the main draw following a competitive season. She arrived in New York with an 18-15 record, post her recent elimination in the qualifying rounds of the Cincinnati Open. Osaka openly discussed the mental hurdles she has encountered since welcoming her first child, baby Shai, in July 2023.
“I don’t feel like I’m in my body,” Osaka shared on her social media, reinforcing her commitment to give her all in the tournament. Early indications suggest her effort is yielding results.
Next, Osaka will square off against 2023 French Open runner-up Karolina Muchova, who advanced past Katie Volynets with a 6-3, 7-5 victory.
Osaka and her partner recently welcomed baby Shai, and she expressed her enthusiasm about motherhood, stating, “Everyone I know that has had a kid, it has changed their life. I don’t think I can prepare for it. I think I’m gonna have to go with the flow.”
