NAOMI Osaka looked overcome with emotion after defeating Jelena Ostapenko in the first round of the United States (US) Open, Tuesday (27/8).
The Japanese tennis player is a two-time US Open champion, winning his first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows in 2018 and then again in 2020.
Osaka missed last year’s US Open due to the birth of her daughter, Shai, but watched the Grand Slam tournament.
The former world number one advanced to the second round of the US Open after beating Ostapenko 6-3, 6-2 in 63 minutes.
Osaka covered her face with a towel as she cried tears of relief after beating Ostapenko and appeared overcome with emotion during her on-court interview.
“I tried not to cry when I came on court,” Osaka said.
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“:I remember last year I watched Coco (Gauff) play and I really wanted to take part.”
“I don’t know if I’m still physically able. To be able to compete again and feel this atmosphere means a lot to me,” the 26-year-old continued.
The win over Ostapenko was the first time Osaka had beaten a top-10 player in 10 years.
Also read: Gauff Advances to US Open Semifinals with Big Win Over Ostapenko
Osaka, who is also the 2019 and 2021 Australian Open champion, said before the US Open that she had not felt like herself since returning to playing after giving birth.
She gave birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023 and returned to competing last January.
So far, Osaka has never advanced beyond the quarter-finals in a tournament she has played in.
In the second round of the US Open, Osaka will face former French Open finalist Karolina Muchova. (bbc/Z-1)
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