Former World No. 1 Kim Clijsters recently tipped Naomi Osaka to win the women’s singles title at this year’s US Open. The Japanese will compete in the New York Major after taking a break following her runner-up finish at the Canadian Open.
Why Does Kim Clijsters Think Naomi Osaka Can Lift the US Open Title?
During a recent interview with Tennis Channel, Clijsters picked fellow tennis mother Osaka to win the US Open. She made a bold claim and said, “I’m going to maybe go something different than what I think I’ve heard everybody else say. I’m going to go Naomi Osaka for the title.”
The Belgian explained why she believes Osaka can lift her fifth major title at Flushing Meadows this year, stating:
“I’m ready for another mom to win, but I believe she’s playing so much better, and she’s doing well. And so I think on the women’s side, Naomi is going to win.”
Clijsters brings her own experience as a mother-champion to this prediction. She won four Grand Slam singles titles, three of which came after her daughter Jada was born. The Belgian lifted the US Open trophy in 2009 and 2010, and then won the Australian Open in 2011. She was the first mother ever to be ranked World No. 1 and jointly holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles won as a mother, along with Margaret Court.
MORE: Naomi Osaka Has Her Fitness and Her New Coach To Thank for Resurgence Ahead of US Open
How Does Osaka’s Form Look Ahead of the US Open?
Osaka enters Flushing Meadows with rising confidence. She is ranked world number 24 and holds a 27–12 record for the 2025 season. Osaka captured her first title since 2021 at a WTA 125 event in Saint-Malo, beating higher-ranked opponents in three straight matches. That win broke a long title drought and built momentum.
In August, Osaka made a strong run at the Canadian Open. She defeated four top-30 players and reached the final before losing to Victoria Mboko. This campaign ensured her entrance in the US Open as a seeded player, her first time entering a major as a seed since the 2022 Australian Open.
Osaka’s Grand Slam history on these courts is rich. She won the US Open singles title twice, in 2018 and 2020. The Japanese will face Greet Minne in the opening round of this year’s New York Major, with the winner taking on either Hailey Baptiste or Kateřina Siniaková in the second round.
AloJapan.com