Naomi Osaka’s Powerful and Emotional Comeback at the 2024 US Open
Naomi Osaka US Open 2024.
Naomi Osaka made a powerful and emotional comeback at the 2024 US Open, winning her first-round match against 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko. The former world No. 1, currently ranked 88th, secured a 6-3, 6-2 victory, marking her first win over a top-10 player in four years.
A Highly Anticipated Return to Flushing Meadows
Osaka’s return to Flushing Meadows was highly anticipated after she missed last year’s tournament following the birth of her daughter, Shai. Her last appearance at the US Open in 2022 ended in a disappointing first-round exit, but this time, she was determined and focused. Ostapenko, who had an impressive run in the 2023 US Open, including a win over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, couldn’t keep up with Osaka’s aggressive play, as she fired 19 winners to close out the match in just 63 minutes.
A Heartfelt Moment in Front of the Crowd
The crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium was treated to a heartfelt moment as Naomi Osaka was visibly emotional after her win. “I wanted so badly to be back on these courts,” Osaka said, fighting back tears. “I didn’t know if I could… Winning this match and feeling the energy of the crowd means everything to me.”
Overcoming the Challenge
Osaka acknowledged the challenge Ostapenko posed, saying, “It was stressful. She was hitting some really strong shots, but I just kept telling myself to keep fighting for every point. When I finally looked up and saw the crowd, it was overwhelming.”
A Meaningful Victory
This victory is especially meaningful for Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, as it’s her first top-10 win since 2020. Despite reaching two quarterfinals earlier in 2024, she struggled at major tournaments, never advancing past the second round. The US Open, however, holds a special place in her career. “It’s a mix of a lot of emotions,” Osaka explained. “I grew up here, so seeing the kids in the crowd, thinking about my daughter, and remembering that I was once a kid watching this tournament… it made me very emotional.”
Looking Ahead to the Next Round
The packed stadium also touched her deeply. “Seeing the stadium full meant so much because I was hoping people would still want to watch me play.” Next, Naomi Osaka will face Czech player Karolina Muchova in the second round as she continues her quest for another US Open title.
