Naomi Osaka is looking to build confidence on hard courts with a strong showing at the Washington Open.
The Japanese star matched her career-best result at Wimbledon last time out, when Osaka lost to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the third round.
Travelling to Washington for her first US Open warm-up tournament, Osaka took down Yulia Putintseva in her opening match.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Osaka is usually the biggest name in any draw, but that might not be the case at this year’s Washington Open.
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams made her return to tennis in DC, winning her opening match against Peyton Stearns in straight sets.
Reacting to Williams‘ win, Osaka had plenty of kind words to say about the 45-year-old, as she suggested whether she’d like to see her sister come out of retirement.
Naomi Osaka praises ‘queen’ Venus Williams and has her ‘fingers crossed’ for a Serena Williams return
During her post-match press conference, Osaka was asked whether she’d had any interactions with Williams in Washington.
“I haven’t gotten to interact with her in more than we were both, like, going to practice type of thing. But for me, she’s the queen, like there’s a royal air around her,” she said.
“I’m honestly kind of surprised you guys are still here, because I know she’s – I don’t know if she’s playing right now or if she’s about to walk on court, so I’m probably going to go watch that.
“I feel like whenever I see her or Serena [Williams], the kid in me comes out, because they were my favorite players to watch. So it’s really cool that she kind of is doing it for the fans, too.”
On the topic of Serena Williams, Osaka said whether she’d like to see the 23-time Slam winner come out of retirement.
“I mean, for me, it’s everything, you know. I’m grateful that they played so long, and they’re continuing — maybe Serena is coming back, I don’t know, fingers crossed,” she said.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
“Yeah, I feel like it’s so great for the sport, because obviously I grew up watching them, and then I was able to play with them. As a player myself, I know how difficult it is to even be at the top for that long of a time. That’s really insane. I think people, I guess, should value them a little bit more.
“But yeah, I mean, they’re my mothers. They’re the queens.”
Williams was seen practising with her sister in DC recently, causing many to speculate whether she’d follow the 45-year-old’s lead and make a return to tennis.
The younger of the two sisters retired from tennis at the 2022 US Open, where Williams lost to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round.
Only time will tell if we will see Williams return to tennis, although it seems like she’s enjoying her retirement for now.
If she were to return, Osaka would no doubt welcome a fifth career meeting with the American.
Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams’ head-to-head record
Osaka and Williams have played one another four times previously, facing off in several big competitions.
MatchWinnerLoserScore2021 Australian Open – SFNaomi OsakaSerena Williams6-3, 6-42019 Canadian Open – QFSerena WilliamsNaomi Osaka6-3, 6-42018 US Open – FNaomi OsakaSerena Williams6-2, 6-42018 Miami Open – 1RNaomi OsakaSerena Williams6-3, 6-2Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams’ head-to-head record
Their most notable clash came in the final of the 2018 US Open, as Osaka searched for her maiden Grand Slam title, while Williams was looking to pick up her 24th.
The match was best remembered for Williams’ outbursts at the umpire, which resulted in her being docked a point and then a game.
Osaka took advantage to secure the win in straight sets 6-2, 6-4, but was in tears as boos rained down on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
Playing again in 2019 and 2021, Osaka and Williams won one match apiece, as the Japanese star clinched the head-to-head 3-1.
It is unlikely we will see a fifth match between Osaka and Williams, but the prospect of another clash between two of the sport’s biggest names will certainly get fans talking.
AloJapan.com