Former number 1 in the world, Osaka had not reached the round of 16 in New York since 2020, the year he was champion of the tournament for the second time
The Japanese tennis player won the Russian Daria Kasatkina on Saturday (30) and sealed her expected return to the round of 16, a phase in which she will face the Americana. Former number 1 in the world, Osaka had not reached the round of 16 in New York since 2020, the year he was champion of the tournament for the second time. “It was a long journey, but I’m happy to be here now,” said Osaka, who had not reached the round of 16 of a Grand Slam since 2021.
The 27-year-old Japanese closed the game against Kasatkina in 2 sets to 1, with partials of 6-0, 4-6 and 6-3, in one hour and 44 minutes on the Louis Armstrong court in Fishing Meadows. The Japanese took advantage of Kasatkina’s irregular performance in the withdrawal with 14 pairs, but also confirmed her evolution after reaching the final of Canada’s WTA 1000 in early August, where she was defeated by the young Victoria Mboko.
Osaka, who returned to the circuit at the beginning of 2024 after being a mother, has been looking for her first title since won the Australian open for the second time in 2021, her fourth Grand Slam trophy. At US Open, she was champion in 2018 and 2020. Her eighth end -up duel will be reunited with Coco Gauff, whom she defeated in the 2019 edition in a memorable game, when the American was only 15 years old. “I see her like a younger sister, and it’s great to play against her again here,” Osaka said.
*With information from AFP
Posted by Sarah Paula
