"It was really fun," Osaka (above) said after falling 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) to the 52nd-ranked Czech under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium. "I felt very grateful that there were so many people cheering. I missed it a lot." Japan's Osaka won the title in 2018 and 2020 but missed last year's edition after the birth of her daughter Shai.
She has been unable to build momentum in her comeback, and her first round win over Jelena Ostapenko was her first in four years over a top-10 player.
"I think this year for me has been a learning year," she said. "I put a lot of energy and effort into all the tournaments that I played.
Denne historien er fra August 31, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 31, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Ghaaleb to extend Costa's lead
Jebel Ali-based Australian trainer Michael Costa has begun the new season in the UAE in terrific style and has already saddled eight winners.
Suny Du Loup for Abu Dhabi Prep
Racing in the UAE steps up a gear at Abu Dhabi today with the running of the HH The President Cup Prep, the first Listed race for Arabians of the new season.
Andi's Girl to take the Pudding
Sukhumvit stands out as the obvious danger.
There is nothing haphazard about Richard
Once again Richard Fourie looks the person to follow at Fairview today when they race on the Polytrack.
Emerald fetches a record R163m
Auction price exceeds that of Liz Taylor’s wedding gift from Richard Burton.
Irma Stern tops auction sales
Elite group of South African artists attract enthusiastic bids here and internationally.
Thirst-quenching sale
Inaugural auction features curated selection of the rarest Cape fine brandies.
POWER PACKED BOKS
ERASMUS: HAULS OUT THE BIG GUNS FOR MASSIVE ENGLAND SHOWDOWN
Tyson v Paul: fight or farce?
The sport of boxing has over the years never been short of its array of colourful, controversial characters and news-makers for both the right and wrong reasons.
Qualifying pressure lifts on Bafana
Bafana Bafana qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals yesterday without kicking a ball.