Osaka explains the importance of the US Open to her

Naomi Osaka is becoming that tennis player again who achieved 4 Grand Slams and was number 1 to amaze the world. Proof of this is another great result at the WTA Toronto 2026, where she is already in the round of 16 after comfortably defeating Elise Mertens 6-1 6-2. However, her main goal is the US Open in a few weeks, and she has made this clear in a press conference. 

It was there where the Japanese tennis player achieved her first Grand Slam in 2018, and where she would win her third in 2020. In fact, when she returned after pausing her career to become a mother, she had to experience the bitter side of the coin in New York, and through an anecdote, she wanted to explain how important it is for her to perform well there, as it is the place where she receives the most support and where she feels most at home.

Osaka analyzes her upcoming match against Leylah Fernandez 

Yes, I think it will be difficult because she is left-handed. Obviously, there aren’t many left-handers on the tour, so it takes me a while to get used to it. She has a very good attitude. I have never seen her discouraged. She always keeps fighting. That’s something I really appreciate about her. And the atmosphere? She is Canadian, so I hope it will be very good. I hope it’s fun.

Differences between the two previous matches against Leylah

They ask me questions as if I had the best memory in the world. The truth is, I’m surprised that we have only played twice. I feel like we could have played more, but I think we’ve only practiced a few times. In fact, I practiced with her in Washington D.C. about a week ago. But well, what was the most difficult? The first time, obviously I played against her at the US Open when I was defending my title, so it was a very tense moment. 

I think that was her big moment. She reached the final, right? And what I remember about her is that she showed a lot of grit at that moment. Then, obviously, last year was when I won. It was very tough. But I also feel that, I don’t know, they are like two distinct moments. We both grew as players and as people, so it’s hard to say.

Does training with a player help before facing her?

I mean, yes and no. The truth is that I played terribly (laughing). So I hope she thinks I’ll play that badly and I catch her off guard (smiling). Honestly, I don't think so. I’m one of those who doesn’t worry much about practicing. So I usually don’t go out there hitting hard or anything like that. But it was good to play against her because, as I said, there aren’t many left-handers on the tour. So yes, I think it depends on who you ask.

Biggest challenge of facing a lefty

In my case, I don’t want to tell you (laughs). No, I think for everyone it's the serve. For example, if I think of my toughest matches, Kvitova was very tough for me because her serve was amazing. Besides being very tall, she had that spin. So that’s the toughest part; it takes time to get used to.

Osaka talks about her motivation for the North American tour

I feel pretty good. Obviously, I wish I had done better in Washington D.C., but I felt that maybe I slowed down a bit. Now I’m just trying to stay motivated for this stretch because we are heading to a Grand Slam that I love, and I’m looking forward to it. I want to arrive feeling really good, and I think I am. But you never know, and there are still many matches to be played.

Political protest through her outfits

That was a tricky question (smiling). No, I mean, I feel that I am very... deep in my thoughts, and the things I do are usually spontaneous. So it’s not like I always plan to do something. Obviously, you see the news and see everything, and you think: how can I make my platform mean something? But anyway, would I do something like that again, specifically wear masks? No.

It’s hard to say. I can never truly say no, because if something incredible happens, obviously I would feel compelled to speak up about it. But right now, it’s not something I’m worried about.

The importance of doing well at the US Open

That’s a tough question. I think, you know, if I had to call a tournament my home, it would be that one. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I remember the first year I came back after having my daughter, I had the bow dress and played against Muchova. I remember losing that match and sitting in the parking lot crying buckets, because that tournament meant so much to me and I just wanted to do well. Obviously, last year I did well and I wanted to make it to the final, but Amanda played amazing, so I didn’t even get upset about that. But yes, if you ask me if I put a lot of pressure on myself for that particular tournament, yes. And it usually works out for me, but God forbid, if something goes wrong, it will be a shame, but at least my outfit looked good (laughs).

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Osaka explica la importancia que tiene para ella el US Open