Remember when Naomi Osaka dominated Flushing Meadows? She’s back, and with a new coach, her US Open run is looking incredibly promising! After a stellar performance in the second round, is this the start of another championship quest for the tennis star? What are your predictions?
Naomi Osaka, a two-time champion at Flushing Meadows, has made a compelling return to form at the US Open, advancing to the third round for the first time since 2021. This resurgence is largely attributed to her focused play under the guidance of a new coaching team, signaling a promising shift in her professional journey.
The former world No. 1 has displayed impressive control and strategic prowess on the hard courts, showcasing why she is a formidable opponent. Despite her strong performances, Osaka maintains a pragmatic approach to her chances, choosing to focus on her preparation rather than anticipating future outcomes, a clear sign of her evolved mindset.
Her second-round victory against Hailey Baptiste, a swift 6-3, 6-1 win in just 70 minutes, underscored her efficiency and dominance. This performance, coupled with her first-round triumph over Greet Minnen, highlights her sharpened returning game, putting opponents on the defensive from the outset of rallies.
A significant factor in Osaka’s renewed success is her collaboration with Tomasz Wiktorowski, who previously worked with Iga Swiatek. This coaching change, following her split from Patrick Mouratoglou last month, appears to have provided a fresh perspective and tactical advantage, contributing to her positive momentum in the Grand Slam tournament.
Osaka’s Grand Slam triumphs, including two US Open titles and two Australian Open championships, all occurred on hard courts, solidifying her reputation as a hard-court specialist. After a challenging period since 2021 at Flushing Meadows, her current form suggests a potential return to her peak performance on this surface.
Beyond Osaka’s narrative, the US Open has featured other compelling stories, including the unexpected return of Venus Williams to the women’s doubles circuit. Partnering with Leylah Fernandez, Williams secured her first US Open women’s doubles victory since 2014, demonstrating her enduring presence and competitive spirit in the tennis world.
Top contenders like Wimbledon champions Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner have also made their marks in the tournament. Swiatek faced a surprisingly tough challenge against unranked Suzan Lamens, ultimately prevailing in three sets, while Sinner progressed more straightforwardly. Coco Gauff also navigated her way through to the next round, battling serving issues but ultimately overcoming Donna Vekic.
Further excitement unfolded with Alexander Zverev’s dominant performance and Tommy Paul’s grueling five-set marathon victory that stretched into the early morning hours. On the women’s side, American Amanda Anisimova secured a strong win, contributing to a dynamic week of upsets and triumphs across the Flushing Meadows courts. This US Open Tennis tournament continues to deliver high-stakes drama and memorable moments for women’s singles and doubles.
