Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has spectacularly banished the ghosts of a disappointing Montreal performance, launching her 2025 US Open campaign with a powerful and decisive first-round victory.
The former world number one, who described her early exit in Canada as a moment of personal 'shame', looked a completely transformed player on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows. She delivered a masterclass in composure and power, dispatching her opponent in straight sets to advance confidently to the second round.
This commanding win signals a dramatic return to form for the Japanese superstar and instantly re-establishes her as a serious threat for the title. The victory is being hailed as a testament to her formidable mental fortitude, showcasing her ability to rebound from adversity just in time for a Grand Slam.
The stage is now set for a blockbuster second-round clash, fuelling hopes of a deep and memorable run in New York. Osaka's triumphant return to hard courts—her favourite surface—has sent a clear message to the rest of the draw, including top contenders like Aryna Sabalenka.
Meanwhile, British hopes were bolstered as Emma Raducanu also secured her passage through to the next stage of the tournament, adding to the electrifying atmosphere of the opening rounds.
