Naomi Osaka makes a triumphant return to the Grand Slam 3rd round after a three-year absence, showcasing her resilience and determination.

But instead of letting it get to her, she took a moment. She sat down, covered her head with a towel, and blocked everything out. It was a smart move.
Facing 20th-seeded Karolina Muchova, who had beaten her in their last two matches, Osaka had a lot to prove. But she shook off that rough start and turned the match around, winning 1-6, 6-1, 6-3.
After the match, she shared her mindset. She focused on staying positive, reminding herself that she could have won some key points in that first set.
This win was huge for Osaka. It marked her first time reaching the third round of a major since 2022. She used to be at the top of her game, winning four Grand Slam titles, but life changes, including a break for mental health and the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, shifted her perspective.
Since returning, she’s shown promise, even narrowly losing to the top-ranked Iga Swiatek at the French Open. This win against Muchova, following a victory over Caroline Garcia, shows she’s on the right track.
Osaka expressed her gratitude for this early success, especially after struggling last year. She even joked about getting “revenge” on Garcia and Muchova for past losses.
Next up, she’ll face Belinda Bencic, another mother and a strong competitor. Both players are known for their powerful shots, so it should be an exciting match.
Meanwhile, other players had their ups and downs. No. 5 Zheng Qinwen lost focus and was upset by Laura Siegemund. Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, continued her winning streak, while Carlos Alcaraz joked about his serving skills after a dominant win.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting tournament with plenty of surprises!