It was a chance for two future stars of the women’s tour to clash in the fourth round of the US Open. Instead, it was a day of heartbreak and disappointment for both.
Naomi Osaka and Jelena Ostapenko are two of the youngest players in the world’s top 50. 19-year-old Osaka, who has a Japanese mother and Haitian father, is ranked 45th in the world and reached a WTA final in Japan last year. Meanwhile, French Open champion Ostapenko is currently sitting at 12th in the world, her best ranking to date.
Osaka’s US Open campaign was ended by Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi. A player who is playing only her fourth tournament of the year after spending a one-year hiatus due to a back injury. The loss is a bitter pill for Osaka to swallow. In the final set she was leading by a double break before crashing out 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
“I think I was a bit emotionally unstable. I think she would be more positive than negative. Like, she didn’t have any outbursts or anything, and I had a lot.” The Japanese player reflected.
The negativity surrounding Osaka was a stark contrast to five days ago. In the opening round at Flushing Meadows, she dropped only four games on route to defeating Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-1. Recording her first ever win over a top 10 player. It was a breakthrough in Osaka’s career, but one that has handed her a valuable lesson.
“I think I stressed myself a little bit after playing Kerber, and I just had more expectations with myself.” She explained. “So I think the next Grand Slams, if I happen to beat a really good player, I’m just going to take that one match at a time and just play within myself.”
Illness strikes Ostapenko
Ostapenko only managed to win five games during her 6-3, 6-2, loss to Daria Kasatkina. Complaining of illness and nausea, the Latvian produced four double faults and 38 unforced errors. The timing occurred as Ostapenko saw a chance of going deep in the draw. In her section, she was the highest seed left entering the third round.
“Many things came together, and because the draw was very open and I thought I could play, like, better and better every match.” Said the 20-year-old.
“But today I was not feeling very well, so I couldn’t really play my game.”
Going into the Asian swing of the tour in search of a title outside of the grand slams, Ostapenko remains encouraged by her season in the majors. Headlined by her shock triumph at Roland Garros. Overall, she has reached four WTA finals in her career since 2015.
“In general, I think it was not bad. I made third round here, third round Australian Open, winning the French Open and quarters at Wimbledon, so I think in general was good.” Ostapenko evaluated. “Of course, I expected to play better here, but unfortunately, couldn’t give my best today.”
The two conquerors of Osaka and Ostapenko will meet in the fourth round on Monday.
