Naomi Osaka is set for a blockbuster return to Flushing Meadows where two of her four grand slam titles have come.
Since Osaka’s most recent time away from the sport, the former number one has been utterly transparent about her ambitions to return to the top.
A first round defeat at the Australian Open in January wasn’t enough to disrupt the lofty goals of the four-time major champion.
Osaka’s thundering defeat of Ons Jabeur in Toronto was followed up by a fairly poor display against Elise Mertens.
Similarly in Toronto, Coco Gauff breezed through her first match before Diana Shnaider dumped the American out.
With opening day defeat in Cincinnati eventually bumping Gauff down to third in the rankings, the defending champion has struggled to replicate her glittering run of form from 12 months ago.
Naomi Osaka offers her advice to Coco Gauff as she attempts to defend her US Open title
With tensions high for Gauff as she searches for answers amidst a miserable run of defeats, Osaka knows what it’s like to feel the pressure at the top.
Having taken several breaks away from tennis for both the birth of her daughter, but also for her mental health, Osaka was asked how she’d advise the defending champion.
When quizzed, Osaka immediately let out a chuckle: “I’m laughing because I have been telling you guys for years, but I don’t think anyone should take advice from me.”
Mor seriously, Osaka said: “I mean, I would say I think she’s doing a great job. Like, she’s really consistent. She’s number two right now, right? Three? That’s still really good.”
“I don’t know. I just really enjoy watching her progress and her process. I feel like everyone’s life is their own journey, and it’s fun to watch hers. It’s the most, like, basic advice, but yeah, she should just keep going. She’s got a really good head on her shoulders.”
With Osaka’s mental approach recently questioned by Chris Evert, doubts also remain over exactly how she might play too.
Who is Naomi Osaka’s first match at the US Open?
Having been awarded a wildcard into the main draw, Osaka’s opener is likely set to be the most thrilling of all the first round matches.
The big-hitting and charismatic Latvian Jelena Ostapenko is preparing to face the two-time champion.
It is one of two first round matches featuring two previous major winners, with Emma Raducanu set to play Sofia Kenin in her opening match.
Ostapenko dumped out Iga Swiatek last time out in Flushing and will this year be looking to match that run to the quarter-finals.
It’s difficult to know exactly what kind of Osaka you might get with inconsistency ironically remaining a rather consistent aspect of her current game.
However, with an electric US Open crowd spurring the former champion on, it’s certainly the first round match up to look out for.
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