Osaka Claims Her First Wimbledon Victory Since 2018
Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka described her first Wimbledon victory since 2018 as “like a dream” and looked forward to celebrating with her daughter, who turns one on Tuesday. The Japanese star and four-time Grand Slam champion overcame a break in the final set to defeat France’s Diane Parry 6-1, 1-6, 6-4, hitting 34 winners.
“It feels like a dream because I haven’t played here many times,” said Osaka, who last competed at the All England Club in 2019, exiting in the first round. “I hope it was fun for everyone to watch. I’m really excited to be here because Wimbledon was the first tournament I watched last year after my pregnancy.”
Osaka mentioned she was inspired by looking at last year’s photos, which reminded her of giving birth to her daughter, Shai. “I was looking at my photo album and saw photos of myself in the hospital. It’s really cool to be here now. Last year, I was just trying to survive and piece myself back together.”
On Monday, Osaka raced through the first set in just 22 minutes before her 53rd-ranked opponent levelled the contest. In the final set, Parry led 3-1, but Osaka fought back to 3-3, then saved two break points to go up 5-4, and won the match when Parry committed her 10th double fault.
Ranked 113 and returning from maternity leave, Osaka needed a wild card to play at Wimbledon. At the recent French Open, she nearly defeated world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, holding a match point in their second-round match before Swiatek prevailed.
“My heart was racing today. These are the types of matches you need to play to ease into the tournament,” said Osaka. “I’m glad I didn’t have to play a final-set tiebreaker.”
Osaka acknowledged the challenge of staying positive when she was down a break in the final set. “I can be a little bit down on myself but I’m really trying to stay positive,” said the 26-year-old. “There was a really nice man cheering me on, saying ‘Come on Naomi,’ and that helped.”
For her daughter’s birthday, Osaka plans a simple celebration with a cake and a good book. “I bought her a birthday present, but I feel like I’m constantly buying her presents. I got her a book, so hopefully, she’s satisfied with it,” she said, referring to Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.”
Osaka will next face U.S. 19th seed Emma Navarro for a place in the last 32.
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