Naomi Osaka delivered a commanding performance at the US Open despite admitting she was “stressed the entire time.”
The two-time champion defeated American Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 6-1 after showing flashes of her old brilliance while still revealing her battle with nerves.
Although the opening set looked competitive after both players traded early breaks, Osaka soon took control. Baptiste’s serve failed her repeatedly, with nine costly double faults and an abysmal 19% success rate on second serves. These struggles allowed Osaka to dominate rallies and dictate play as she turned what seemed like a close contest into a one-sided affair.
Importantly, Osaka noted that she had prepared mentally for a difficult encounter. Their last meeting in Miami earlier this year stretched to three sets, which she described as one of her toughest matches of the season. This time, however, she stayed locked in and made sure Baptiste received no free opportunities.
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Osaka’s revival gains momentum
Since returning from maternity leave last year, Osaka has struggled with consistency, but recent weeks suggest a turning point. After reaching the final of the Canadian Open earlier this month, she carried that confidence into New York, moving fluidly across the court and striking with precision.
Moreover, the Japanese star expressed satisfaction with her growing sharpness and health. She emphasised that she now feels physically strong, which has been a missing piece since her comeback. With her improved mobility and her reassuring baseline game, Osaka looks ready to mount a serious push for her first Grand Slam title since the 2021 Australian Open.
Tags: Naomi Osaka, Hailey Baptiste, US Open, #USOpen2025, #USOpen, Grand Slam.
