There is no rest for the weary in Naomi Osaka’s US Open 2024 quest for a third championship. After defeating Jelena Ostapenko on Tuesday, Osaka admitted that she did not get much sleep before the match because of comforting her infant daughter who could not sleep.
The 2018 and 2020 US Open champion must be rested and ready to face her second-round opponent, 28-year-old Karolina Muchova from the Czech Republic. This match will be played on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 7 PM ET at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Osaka vs. Muchova
Muchova and Osaka have faced each other two previous times and split the results. Naomi Osaka’s win was on the hard court. She and Karolina Muchova returned from extended absences from the WTA Tour. Osaka gave birth to her daughter last year. She recently shared that she does not feel like she is in her body while playing tennis. Muchova had a fantastic 2023. She qualified for the WTA Finals in Cancun last November but had to pull out due to a right wrist injury. Muchova’s wrist injury did not heal in the offseason so she had surgery in February.
Naomi Osaka has been Planning for the US Open for Months
Osaka’s return from maternity leave has not been easy. Early in the season, she was regaining her conditioning and form. She had difficult draws and played qualifying matches in Cincinnati to get more match play. She surprised herself and the world by nearly defeating World No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the 2024 French Open. Her goal was always to be ready for the US Open. Her four Grand Slams are on the Melbourne and New York hardcourts. Osaka got off to a great start beating French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets. Her tough draw now focuses on Muchova.
Karolina Muchova is an All-Court Player
Muchova’s game looks smooth and effortless on all surfaces. Her “worst” Grand Slam finish is as a two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist in 2019 and 2021. She was a French Open finalist last year. Muchova also was an Australian Open and US Open semifinalist in 2021 and 2023, respectively. Muchova has played in the big stadiums. She does not get tight or intimidated. Some claim she already made the shot of the tournament in her first-round win over Katie Volynets. It was a behind-the-back shot that looked great and won the point.
Who Wins the Match?
Osaka has the confidence and momentum. Her French Open loss to Iga Swiatek on her least favorite surface elevated her game. It is Naomi’s match to lose. The crowd will be pulling for her. New York likes comeback stories.
Muchova’s Opportunity
If Naomi Osaka comes out nervous, Muchova can seize the day. Naomi’s footwork and shotmaking need to be on par from the first ball. If she is tight and not moving well, Muchova will take advantage. Osaka needs an early lead on Muchova who could run away with it if she wins the first set.
Who is the Fan Favorite?
Naomi Osaka, 26, is likely the fan favorite because she is a former champion. Though she was born in and plays for Japan, Osaka has lived in the US since she was three. Muchova, a former semifinalist and on her comeback, will also have plenty of support.
A Stacked US Open Women’s Draw
Along with the Osaka vs. Ostapenko first-round match, it is hard to fathom a draw that features this matchup in the second round.
Coco Gauff is the defending US Open champion. Women’s tennis has four champions at this year’s three Grand Slams and the Olympics. Only Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova has been eliminated from the US Open (in Round 2). Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng are still in the tournament.
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