The 2023 US Open emerged as a turning point for tennis as a sport in the US. While the nation was busy embracing their new champion, Coco Gauff, another former champion, was distant from the courts, envying the glorious moment. Although the previous year brought a joyous update for Naomi Osaka in the form of her daughter, there were a lot of trials she had to go through. Just days after unveiling how she had to tackle the mental stress, the Japanese WTA star revealed how being on the courts was the only thing she wanted back then.

Osaka is getting herself ready to relive the glorious moments she created on the courts of New York. The former champion recently revealed how witnessing Gauff’s stunning victory at the 2023 US Open became a key moment in reigniting her passion for tennis. “When I was watching Coco’s match last time I was here, I felt very inspired to play again,” she shared.

Gauff created history by becoming the youngest American woman to lift the US Open trophy after Serena Williams. During the same time of the year, Osaka had just given birth to her first child and was uncertain about her ability to compete at the highest level again. She admitted, “I still, in the back of my mind, remember not being able to run…or not being able to do a sit-up.“

Gauff’s journey to her first Grand Slam title was a defining moment in her career. During her gripping showdown against Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff lost the first set 2-6 but eventually managed to secure an incredible comeback to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.  This victory not only solidified Gauff’s status as a rising tennis star but also deeply impacted Osaka, who watched from the stands.

Osaka had to miss the 2023 US Open due to maternity leave but is now ready to compete again. “I promised myself this is going to be the tournament where I do the best,” she said. While the WTA star is all set to begin her run with a showdown against Jelena Ostapenko, her determination to regain momentum is yet to go through a test. Although Osaka expressed her high hopes, not everyone thinks alike of her form.

Chris Evert raises doubts over Naomi Osaka’s US Open expectations

The American tennis legend Chris Evert didn’t seem to be overly optimistic about Naomi Osaka’s chances at the 2024 US Open. Evert believes that Osaka might be “too happy,” which could lead to a lack of fierceness required to win big matches. Evert shared her thoughts with the Los Angeles Times, saying, “She’s going through some doubtful times. We’ll see if she can get that magic, because it is the US Open. She has won this title, so let’s see if she can get that magic going.“

The 2024 season has been a challenging one for Osaka. This is her first year playing as a mother, and she is also trying to regain the momentum that made her a Grand Slam champion. While Osaka has seemed happy throughout the year, her results on the court have not met her expectations. She holds a modest 18-15 record for the year and has been unsuccessful in advancing beyond the quarterfinals in any tournament since her return.

The US Open holds special significance for Osaka, being the same place where she won her first Grand Slam title in 2018 and where she has been a champion twice. However, her current form was already a concern, and the draw suggesting an opening-round match against Jelena Ostapenko is another tough challenge. “I think her story, her journey, remains to be seen,” Evert added, reflecting on the uncertainty surrounding Osaka’s performance, while holding on to the hope that the US Open could cast a magic spell on the Japanese player.