Two-time champion Naomi Osaka says being seeded at the US Open offers her ‘protection’ after she began her campaign with a straight-sets win over Belgium’s Greet Minnen.
Osaka, who is seeded in the Grand Slam for the first time since 2021, produced a 6-3, 6-4 win to move into the second round. The former world No.1 saved all six break points she faced during the match, winning 68% of her first service points and hitting 20 winners. According to Opta Ace, Osaka has become only the second female player in the Open Era from Asia to have won 50 Grand Slam hardcourt matches, following Li Na, who won 51 during her career.
Despite her victory, the 27-year-old admits her latest performance wasn’t entirely perfect. Especially when it came to her mentality.
“I could have had a better attitude,” Osaka admits.
“I was just very stressed. It was the first round, and this tournament means a lot to me. I really wanted to win.
“I wish I thought more about the process rather than the result, but I’m glad I was able to win.”
Due to her current ranking, Osaka doesn’t have to worry about facing a seeded player until at least the third round if both she and Daria Kasatkina reach that stage. Osaka has won 32 out of 46 matches played over the past 12 months.
“Honestly, protection,” she replied when asked why being seeded is important. “I was hitting with [world No. 13 Karolina] Muchova the other day, and I was, like: ‘Thank God I don’t have to play you in the first or second round.’
“Definitely you don’t want to play the big names early on. I think for me I’ve always been the type of person that kind of eases into it, but you have to earn that right, of course.
“On any given day I’m not scared to play anyone. It’s just more I’d like to, I guess, get my feet wet first before diving in.”
Awaiting Osaka in the next round will be America’s Hailey Baptiste, who produced her best major performance earlier this season at the French Open, where she reached the fourth round. Baptiste defeated Katerina Siniakova 7-5,6-3, to record her first main draw win at her home Grand Slam. She is currently at a ranking high of 47th in the WTA standings.
The upcoming clash will be the third time Osaka has played Baptiste on the Tour this season. She won both of those meetings in Auckland and Miami, but in three sets.
“She’s a really good player. She’s able to do basically anything,” Osaka said of her next opponent.
“I think it’s going to be tough because she’s American. The last time was really, really difficult in Miami, but all I can do is try my best and see what the result is.”
Should she win, Osaka will make it through to the last 32 in New York for the first time in four years.
