Osaka, a tennis player from Japan, won the first of her four Grand Slam titles at New York in 2018 and repeated the feat in 2020 at Flushing Meadows.
After giving birth to her daughter Shai, she was unable to attend the event the previous year, but she was inspired to compete again by what she saw in the stands.
The 10-seeded Ostapenko of Latvia presented a formidable challenge for the former world number one, but in just 63 minutes, the Latvian prevailed 6-3 6-2.
After the victory, Osaka sobbed with happiness and excitement while covering her face with her towel. She reacted angrily during her on-court interview.
The 26-year-old stated, “I was trying not to cry when I was walking out.”
I was watching Coco [Gauff] play last year, and I can still clearly recall how much I wanted to return to these courts.
I had doubts about my ability, both physically and athletically. It means so much to me to just be here, playing this match, and experience this atmosphere; thank you.
