Naomi Osaka is steadily demonstrating a return to form, captivating audiences with her performance at the US Open 2025. The former world No. 1, currently ranked No. 24, has showcased a blend of power and precision, reminiscent of her past championship victories.
At the US Open, Osaka has advanced to the third round for the first time since 2021. In her second-round match, she defeated American Hailey Baptiste with a score of 6-3, 6-1. Osaka's ability to balance power with control proved to be the key to her victory, as she outmaneuvered Baptiste's aggressive playing style. Although Baptiste started strong, she struggled with nerves and double faults, which ultimately led to her defeat in straight sets. Osaka, on the other hand, played a cleaner game, minimizing errors while still delivering powerful shots. In her post-match press conference, Osaka praised Baptiste as an "incredible" and "dangerous" player, highlighting the need for intense focus during the match.
Osaka's first-round match saw her triumph over Greet Minnen with a score of 6-3, 6-4. She displayed efficiency and dominance on the court, delivering seven aces and maintaining a perfect break point conversion rate. Despite Minnen briefly leading in the second set, Osaka's composure and Minnen's unforced errors secured Osaka's victory.
Beyond her performance, Osaka has also been making waves with her fashion choices at the US Open. For her first match, she sported a monochrome red Nike outfit, complete with a cropped jacket, bubble-hem skirt, and custom rose-detailed hair accessories and sneakers. Adding a playful touch, she carried a Labubu charm named Billie Jean Bling, in honor of the tennis legend. For her second match, Osaka wore a head-to-toe violet set, featuring a shimmering Nike jacket, racerback top, and bubble-hemmed skirt, accessorized with a violet visor, blue crystal-covered headphones, and another bedazzled Labubu named Arthur Flashe, as a nod to Arthur Ashe.
Osaka's journey back to the top has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. After taking time off for maternity leave, she returned to the sport in 2024. In 2025, she secured a WTA 125 title in Saint Malo. Maria Sakkari commended Osaka for participating in a lower-level WTA event, recognizing the mental strength it demonstrated and expressing confidence in Osaka's return to the top.
While Osaka acknowledges the hard work and training she has put in, she remains grounded and focused on taking each match as it comes. When asked about her overall game and potential for a deep run in the tournament, she stated that she doesn't make it her business to know anymore and that she has done everything she could and if it happens it happens.
Naomi Osaka's resurgence is not just about regaining her form on the court; it's also about rediscovering her love for the game and sharing her journey with her daughter, Shai. She stated that she would tell her daughter that the US Open is probably her favorite and the greatest tournament for her and that she has so many really cool memories there. With a blend of talent, determination, and a renewed perspective, Osaka is quietly making her way back into the spotlight, poised to leave her mark once again.
