Naomi Osaka was comprehensive in her first-round win at the US Open, dispatching the world number ten, Jelena Ostapenko, in straight sets.
As soon as the draw came out, this was outlined as the standout clash of the opening set of fixtures, pitting the two-time champion in New York against a highly-seeded opponent.
Fireworks were expected, but few would have predicted that she would dominate with such ease over the Latvian.
Now set to face Karolína Muchová in the next round, things get no easier, but if she can continue to draw on the inspiration that has helped her come this far, then the sky really is the limit for Naomi Osaka.
Naomi Osaka used Coco Gauff as US Open inspiration
Speaking in her post-match interview, where the Japanese tennis star cut a tearful figure upon her return to New York, Osaka spoke about her level and her inspirations for this event.
She recalled this time last year, when she was still enduring her hiatus from tennis, and how she would watch the event at home.
A hugely emotional time in her life. The 26-year-old revealed how she had longed to be back on the court, especially after watching Gauff storm her way to the title.
Osaka claimed: ‘I was trying not to cry when I walked out. Last year I watched Coco play and I so badly wanted to step on these courts again. I don’t know if I could. I don’t know if athletically physically if I was able to. Just to win this match and to be in this atmosphere means so much to me. So thank you.’
Ironically enough, Osaka has given Gauff some advice as she tries to defend her US Open title, despite using the young American as inspiration.
Could Naomi Osaka win the US Open?
Although her 2024 has been one of recovery, seeking to recapture her form and fitness after missing all of the previous year, it does feel like she has been building towards a dramatic conclusion.
And, what better place for her to enjoy such an outcome than the US Open, where she already boasts two titles.
In fact, on the WTA, she boasts the most US Open titles out of any active player, which must count for something in her quest to win this event again.
Her chances are slim, but aside from Aryna Sabalenka and maybe Jessica Pegula, nobody is really going into the tournament with blistering form.
There is not a player in the draw who would relish seeing Osaka in their bracket, and that makes her dangerous. It just remains to be seen whether her body holds up over a two-week cycle of non-stop tennis.
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