Naomi Osaka Returns with a Vengeance: Stunning Victory at the US Open
Two years ago, Naomi Osaka watched from the stands of Arthur Ashe Stadium as Coco Gauff advanced to the US Open final. At that moment, Osaka reflected on her current situation, three years removed from her last title at the tournament and only two months away from giving birth to her daughter, Shai. The experience of being a spectator reminded her of the excitement of playing in front of 24,000 people.
On Monday, Osaka returned to the same stage, but this time as the protagonist. She faced Gauff, now a two-time Grand Slam champion and the number 3 seed of the tournament. The match, which generated great expectation, became a demonstration of Osaka’s power, who achieved a resounding victory with a score of 6-3, 6-2 in just 64 minutes, advancing to her first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2021.
I’m feeling a little sensitive and don’t want to cry, but honestly, I had so much fun here. I was in the stands two months after giving birth to my daughter, watching Coco. I really wanted to have the opportunity to come here and play. This is my favorite court in the world, and it means a lot to me to be back here.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka defeated Coco Gauff, world number 3, on Monday at the US Open, and will advance to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since returning from maternity leave.Six years ago, Osaka and Gauff faced each other for the first time. Osaka, then champion and world number 1, consoled Gauff after a match in which the young tennis player showed great potential. This gesture of sportsmanship marked the beginning of a special connection between both players, although their careers took different paths.
After experiencing a period of personal and professional challenges, including her pregnancy and a break from tennis, Osaka returned with renewed energy. Following her return, she has demonstrated a high level and determination. At the US Open, Osaka has exhibited a solid game, overcoming her opponents with authority.Gauff lost to Osaka the only time they faced each other at the US Open, in 2019. Osaka invited her to the post-match interview, and it became one of the memorable moments in sports.Motivated by Gauff’s high level and the other players, Osaka has worked hard for her comeback. After some changes in her technical team, including the incorporation of Tomasz Wiktorowski, the results have been immediate. In the Canadian Open, she reached her first level 1000 final since 2022, showing remarkable resilience.
Since then, I’ve started to think that anything is possible. You just have to do your best and have a smile on your face.
Naomi Osaka
Osaka has won four Grand Slam titles (two US Opens, two Australian Opens). And every time she has reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam, she has won it.The US Open, her favorite tournament, welcomes her back. With a positive mindset and a constantly improving game, Osaka is ready to face new challenges and achieve her goals in tennis. On Wednesday, Osaka will face Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals, in what promises to be an exciting match.
With the hope of returning to the top 20 after the US Open, Osaka seeks to enjoy every moment and continue improving her game. Her current focus is on smiling and having fun on the court, demonstrating a maturity and determination that make her an inspiring figure in the world of tennis.
