Naomi Osaka is returned in Grand Slam action after mental health break. Back to playing pretty well, too. After a good beginning to her first-round U.S. Open match Monday night, the reigning champion grabbed 8 of the closing 9 games and prepare a 6-4, 6-1 victory over 87th-ranked Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic.
Helped through a serve that reached 120 mph, Osaka saved all 8 breakpoints she confronted and amassed a 34-10 aspect in general winners. She hadn’t performed at one of her sport’s 4 main tournaments on the grounds that May 30 at the French Open.
That day, Osaka skipped her mandatory news convention after her first-round victory in Paris, drawing a $15,000 fine and a warning from the heads of the Slams that she ought to face a suspension. She answered via way of means of pulling out of Roland Garros, explaining that she feels anxiety while talking to the media and has handled depression for years. Osaka then sat out Wimbledon, too.
A year ago, while she won the title at Flushing Meadows for the second time, there weren’t any spectators allowed, due to the coronavirus pandemic. But they back Monday in full force, and Osaka heard lots of assists from the thousands in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“It feels kind of crazy to play in front of everyone again. I just want to say thank you for coming out here. Last year, when we didn’t have a crowd, I know it felt quite lonely for me,” she said with a smile during her on-court interview. “I’m glad to see little kids in the audience — and, of course, grown-ups, too.”