The 2024 U.S. Open has kicked off, bringing excitement as many top tennis players begin their campaigns to secure the final Grand Slam title of the season. Naomi Osaka, a two-time U.S. Open champion, made a strong start on Tuesday with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over the 10th-ranked Jelena Ostapenko. What made this win particularly special was Osaka’s choice of attire—she wore the No. 8 jersey of the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, a figure who has deeply influenced her career. During her post-match press conference, Osaka shared that donning Bryant’s jersey helps her feel connected to his spirit, giving her an extra boost of inspiration on the court.
Reflecting on Bryant’s impact, Osaka recalled the time he came to watch her play on the Louis Armstrong court in 2019, a memory that remains vivid for her. She described the experience as surreal and emphasized how much his support meant to her at that moment. The 26-year-old athlete has been open about her recent struggles with confidence since returning to the sport earlier this year after maternity leave. However, she expressed that playing in New York, particularly on a court where she has enjoyed significant success, helps restore her self-assurance. For Osaka, the U.S. Open court feels like home, a place where she can draw upon her past victories to regain her form.
After a challenging year, Osaka’s decisive win signals a potential resurgence in her game. As she prepares to face Karolína Muchová in the second round on Thursday, the tennis world will be watching to see if she can continue this momentum. The 2024 U.S. Open runs through September 8, with live coverage available on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+.
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