Naomi Osaka is hoping her runner-up finish in Montreal last year will translate to success as the WTA 1000 event moves to Toronto. The four-time Grand Slam champion is coming off a semi-final run in Washington, where she lost to eventual champion Alexandra Eala. 'I did better than last year in DC, so I'm just hoping to keep the ball rolling,' Osaka said. 'I haven't historically played super, super well here, so I'm just hoping to change that this year.'
Osaka's Recent Performance and US Open Goals
Osaka, seeded 11th this year, aims to build momentum as the August 31 start of the US Open approaches. She earned her last major title at the 2021 Australian Open and is looking to regain her previous form after an extended maternity leave in 2023. Osaka reached the US Open semi-finals last year and the last 16 at the French Open this year before a career-best quarter-final at Wimbledon. 'I would just hope to gain a lot of confidence leading into New York,' she said.
Tournament Context and Key Matchups
Osaka is in the same quarter as second-seeded Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina and could face fifth-seeded French Open champion Mirra Andreeva in the fourth round. Andreeva, who suffered a shock second-round exit at Wimbledon, will face a tricky opening match against former world number one Karolina Pliskova. Osaka will open against Hungary's Panna Uvardy, who advanced when her opponent retired due to injury.
