Naomi Osaka made a powerful and emotional return to the tennis courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on Tuesday afternoon. In her first appearance at the U.S. Open since becoming a mother, Osaka defeated Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets, marking her first victory over a top-10 player in more than four years.
This victory was particularly special for Osaka, not only because it marked her return to winning form in New York but also because it was her first win at the U.S. Open since giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023. Osaka, a two-time U.S. Open champion, had also taken a hiatus from tennis in 2021 to focus on her mental health, making her return to the sport and to this tournament all the more significant.
After her first-round win, Osaka couldn’t hold back her emotions. During the on-court interview, she revealed just how much this moment meant to her. “I was trying not to cry when I walked out,” Osaka admitted. “Last year, I watched Coco [Gauff] play, and I so badly wanted to step on these courts again.”
She continued, “I didn’t know if I could. I didn’t know if, athletically and physically, I was able to. Just to win this match and to be in this atmosphere means so much to me. So, thank you.”
The raw emotion Osaka displayed after her victory led many to wonder what was behind her heartfelt reaction.
She later took to social media to share more about the personal journey that brought her to this point.
“I’ve been asked why I was so emotional yesterday,” Osaka wrote, accompanying her post with a photo of herself from a year ago, standing on crutches. “Honestly, even if you don’t include coming back from pregnancy, New York being my home, etc., this was me a year ago.”
She revealed the physical challenges she had faced, saying, “I legitimately couldn’t walk without pain, and I didn’t know if I could play at a high intensity anymore. So yeah, this sport means a lot to me.”
Osaka’s candid explanation not only highlighted the physical hurdles she had to overcome but also underscored her deep connection to the sport that has defined much of her life. Her return to the court, full of passion and determination, was a moment of triumph not just in competition but in her personal journey of recovery and resilience.
Fans and fellow athletes alike have celebrated Osaka’s return, recognizing the strength it took for her to come back to the game after such a challenging period. As she continues her journey in this year’s U.S. Open, there is a sense of hope and excitement surrounding her comeback.
Osaka is set to face Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in her next match on Thursday, August 29. As she steps back onto the court, all eyes will be on her, not just for her exceptional skill but for the powerful story of perseverance she brings with her.
