Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka is hoping for a turning point in her erratic tennis comeback, with her sights set on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. Osaka, who returned to tennis late last year after a 15-month hiatus to welcome her daughter Shai, expressed her desire to make the US Open her breakthrough tournament.
“I was watching in the stands last year, and I promised myself this was going to be the tournament where I do the best,” said Osaka, highlighting her dedication to the event. She added, “Hopefully here or Japan or during the Asian swing — that’s kind of where I put all my energy. I guess we’ll see what happens.”
Osaka’s comeback has been marked by inconsistency, with a first-round exit at the Australian Open and a close second-round defeat to world number one Iga Swiatek at the French Open. She also suffered early exits at Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics, followed by a qualifying loss in Cincinnati, where she admitted on social media that she felt “like I’m not in my body.”
“I just felt like I wasn’t able to hit the shots that I know I can hit,” she explained, highlighting her frustration. “That was the most frustrating thing because I felt like I couldn’t control the balls the way I wanted to.”
Despite these challenges, Osaka has shown glimpses of her former brilliance during the 2024 season, leaving her surprised by her own potential. “Obviously I want to be in the top 10, and I want to do all these things, but I still in the back of my mind remember not being able to run … or not being able to do a sit-up.”
Following extensive practice on hard courts, Osaka has reported a significant improvement in her confidence and performance. “I feel way better now,” she said, expressing optimism about her upcoming matches. “I’m able to practice at a really high level. I hope that I’m able to play matches at a really high level, too.”
Flushing Meadows presents a perfect opportunity for Osaka to translate her improved form into on-court success. Her past triumphs, coupled with the emotional connection she holds to the tournament, make it a special place for her. “I do think coming to this specific tournament helps me out,” she said, emphasizing its significance. “Whenever I step foot here, I don’t really think about the two tournaments I won. I just think about how I felt when I was a kid, because I did grow up coming here, and I have such vivid memories of watching my favorite players. It’s more of a childhood nostalgia that I really enjoy.”
Osaka’s determination and her desire to relive her childhood memories at the US Open paint a promising picture for her upcoming campaign. Fans are eager to see if she can channel her passion and newfound confidence to deliver a memorable performance at this year’s Grand Slam.
