Naomi Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, was left stunned as Danielle Collins secured her first-ever victory over her in the first round of the US Open. This loss marks Osaka's second consecutive first-round exit in a Grand Slam tournament.
Earlier this year, Collins made waves by reaching her first major final at the Australian Open, showcasing her exceptional talent on hard courts. And she brought that same level of skill to her match against Osaka, winning with a score of 7-6 (5), 6-3 in a thrilling shot-for-shot showdown.
Reflecting on her performance, Osaka shared, "I'm the type of person that thinks a lot, to the point where I overthink. Sometimes when I play matches, I have to tell myself to stop thinking, just go more on instinct." Osaka has been struggling with a bad back recently and expressed the need to find a sense of calm amidst the chaos in her mind.
Osaka, who has taken two extended mental health breaks in the past, had a challenging season, experiencing early exits in major tournaments. Ranked 44th, she was susceptible to facing any player in the first round, making the match against Collins even more significant.
While Osaka had previously dominated matches against Collins, winning all three of their previous encounters, Collins demonstrated her growth as a player. The Floridian, who was seeded 19th at the US Open, had taken a break from the tour to focus on training and recovery from a neck injury, and her hard work paid off.
Collins employed an aggressive playing style, immediately putting Osaka on the defensive and showcasing her impressive shot-making abilities. Osaka acknowledged Collins' strategy, saying, "I think that's kind of what she's known for - to be extremely aggressive."
American Danielle Collins earns first win over Naomi Osaka in US Open first round
In other matches, top-seeded Iga Swiatek comfortably advanced to the second round with a dominant 6-3, 6-0 victory over Jasmine Paolini. Swiatek, aiming to become the first player since Serena Williams in 2014 to win seven titles in a year, showcased her form on the court, and the Polish fans in attendance rallied behind her.
The defending champion, Emma Raducanu, faced an unexpected loss in the first round against unseeded Alize Cornet, ending her title defense in disappointment. Raducanu joins the ranks of past winners who suffered an early exit in New York a year after their victory.
As the tournament progresses, the competition remains fierce. Players like Aryna Sabalenka, Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova, and Paula Badosa showcased their skills, securing victories in their opening matches. The intense battles on the court guarantee an exciting and unpredictable tournament ahead.
Top-seeded Iga Swiatek easily cruised past Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-0 on Tuesday to reach the second round of the US Open.
The US Open continues to captivate tennis fans worldwide, with more thrilling matches to come. Serena Williams, in what could potentially be her final tournament, is set to take the court in Arthur Ashe Stadium, facing the challenge of No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit of Estonia.
As the action unfolds, the spotlight remains on the players who strive to make their mark in tennis history. With each victory and defeat, the stories of triumph and resilience add to the rich tapestry of the US Open. Stay tuned for more electrifying moments on the court as the tournament progresses.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
