Naomi Osaka is putting in serious work ahead of what could be her most important tournament in years. The former world No. 1 knows the stakes at Flushing Meadows, where she’s already claimed two titles, and she’s not taking any chances with her preparation. Fresh off a disappointing mixed doubles exit, Osaka has her eyes locked on singles glory at the 2025 US Open.
How Is Naomi Osaka Preparing for the 2025 US Open After Her Mixed Doubles Exit?
Osaka arrived in New York following her runner-up finish at the Canadian Open in Montreal, shifting gears immediately toward the season’s final Major. The Japanese star dipped into the revamped US Open mixed doubles event alongside Gaël Monfils, with the pair chasing a share of the $1 million prize money.
Their run, however, ended in the opening round after Lorenzo Musetti and Caty McNally scored a 5-3, 4-2 win, cutting short Osaka’s first taste of the new format. The early exit gave Osaka more time to refocus on singles, where she has twice lifted the trophy in Flushing Meadows.
Wasting no time dwelling on the doubles disappointment, Osaka threw herself into singles preparation. In footage shared by the US Open’s official Instagram account, Osaka was spotted trading fierce groundstrokes and crisp volleys with Karolína Muchová in an intense practice session. The pair went toe-to-toe on the baseline, drilling heavy forehands and exchanging sharp volleys at the net before closing their session with a high-five.
The practice session with Muchová, a two-time semifinalist at the tournament, was the high-level preparation Osaka needed. According to the Thursday draw, she will open against Belgium’s Greet Minnen, whom she defeated in straight sets last year at the Madrid Open. The winner will face American Hailey Baptiste or Czech standout Kateřina Siniaková in the next round.
Meanwhile, Muchová made a solid run to the mixed doubles quarterfinals with Andrey Rublev before bowing out to eventual titleholders Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani. The 11th seed is set to open her singles campaign against tennis legend Venus Williams.
Why Did Naomi Osaka Treasure Her Brief Mixed Doubles Partnership With Gaël Monfils?
Osaka’s US Open mixed doubles run with veteran French star Monfils may have been short-lived, but she savored every moment of the experience. The four-time Grand Slam champion recently shared an Instagram post featuring snapshots from their match, paired with a heartfelt message celebrating her partnership with Monfils.
“My 🐐. Thank you @iamgaelmonfils for playing with me it’s such an honor 😭🙏🏾 see you in a few days NY ❤️,” she wrote on Instagram.
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Teaming up with Monfils had long been a dream on Osaka’s bucket list, and she was thrilled to finally check it off. She expressed her excitement in an Instagram story, reflecting on the special experience: “Played with my goat. Happy I can cross this off the bucket list.”
For Osaka, sharing the court with one of tennis’ most beloved personalities was worth celebrating regardless of the result. Monfils will be making his 17th appearance at Flushing Meadows when the tournament begins. The Frenchman will face Roman Safiullin in the first round.
AloJapan.com