Aryna Sabalenka thanks Billie Jean King after Australian Open win
It's Sabalenka's first title.
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Defending US Open champion Naomi Osaka made a dominant return to Grand Slam tennis on Monday, defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-4, 6-1.
It’s her first Grand Slam back since pulling out of the French Open for mental health reasons. The four-time champion also did not play at Wimbledon.
After starting the first set tied at 4-all, Osaka went on a run of seven games and built a 5-0 lead in the second set. In all, the defending champion showed why she’s just that — compiling a 34-10 edge in total winners and saving all eight break points Bouzkova earned.
Following the match, Osaka took the time to make a young fan’s day by giving her a pin from the Tokyo Olympics that players were given to pass around.
This is the feel-good content we NEED.@naomiosaka shared an Olympic pin with a young fan after her win tonight. 🥰pic.twitter.com/VBLBaBRqJD
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2021
“I wasn’t there for a long time so I have a couple in my bag left over,” the 23-year-old joked.
Osaka will face Olga Danilovic in the second round on Wednesday.
It's Sabalenka's first title.
Instead, she'll set her sights on the doubles bracket.
Pegula is the last American woman standing.
Both lost in straight sets.