NEW YORK – Naomi Osaka returned to the third spherical of the US Open for the primary time since 2021, the 12 months after successful her second championship with the Flushing Meadows.
She’s now taking part in fairly nicely underneath the steerage of a brand new coach. Do not anticipate to weigh in on whether or not Osaka feels as if it is prepared for an additional deep run at that location.
“To be sincere, I actually do not know. I do not make something I do know anymore into my enterprise. I will go away it within the air for a bit,” mentioned twenty third Seed Osaka after eliminating Hailey Baptist 6-3, 6-1 on Thursday, simply 70 minutes. “For me, I spotted I did every thing I might. I educated actually onerous. I practiced actually onerous. If that occurs, it occurs.”
All 4 Grand Slam trophies in Osaka have arrived on the onerous court docket. Two are the US Open and two are the Australian Open. Since her 2020 title in New York, her journey has ended with losses within the third spherical (2021), first spherical (2022), and second spherical (2024).
The floor tends to choose the large serves and highly effective first strike tennis, which Osaka is greatest identified for. She confirmed it to Baptist, however she additionally confirmed an willingness to vary velocity and spin.
Up to now this week, the opposite expertise that Osaka has used to make a big effect is the return to win opponents on protection.
After the third exit at Wimbledon final month, Osaka break up from supervisor Patrick Mouratogrow and commenced working with Tomasz Wiktorowski, who was as soon as a part of Iga Swiatek’s crew.
One key, Osaka mentioned: Wiktorowski inspired her to focus extra on the location of her photographs.
They seem like making fast progress – and Osaka mentioned his impression modified rapidly.
“To be sincere, I did not know him. He thought he was very scared. “Now we work collectively, so you’ll be able to see that he smiles often. He has a really light smile. It’s totally good. That is my little enjoyable truth about Thomas.”
