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Post by : Rohit Dhiman
Naomi Osaka opened her US Open 2026 campaign with a dramatic straight-sets victory over unseeded Russian player Anastasia Zakharova. The former champion secured a 7-6(6), 7-6(3) win at Arthur Ashe Stadium to move into the second round. The match was far more competitive than Osaka's early advantage suggested. The Japanese star quickly moved ahead 4-1, but Zakharova, ranked 101st in the world, fought back strongly and forced a tiebreak.
Before stepping onto the court, Naomi Osaka once again attracted attention with her striking Grand Slam outfit. Her latest look was inspired by NBA legend Allen Iverson and featured a hooded tunic decorated with newspaper-style panels recalling moments from her previous tournament appearances. Osaka explained that the outfit was her personal tribute to Iverson and said she enjoys using fashion as a way to express herself. Her Grand Slam outfits have become a talking point throughout the season. At Wimbledon, she drew inspiration from Japanese culture, while her Roland Garros appearance reflected the nighttime appearance of the Eiffel Tower.
After losing her early advantage, Osaka remained composed during the crucial moments. She edged the opening tiebreak before Zakharova again pushed her hard in the second set. The second set also went to a tiebreak, but Osaka produced the stronger finish to seal the match after a demanding contest. Following the victory, Osaka admitted that she had needed to give everything to get through the opening round. She also acknowledged feeling slightly rusty after not competing since Toronto.
The victory was particularly meaningful for Osaka, who has enjoyed some of her biggest career moments at the US Open. She won the New York Grand Slam title in 2018 and again in 2020. As the 13th seed, Osaka will now turn her attention to the second round, where she will face Czech player Katerina Siniakova.
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Yes. Naomi Osaka defeated Anastasia Zakharova 7-6(6), 7-6(3) to advance to the second round of the US Open 2026.
The match was played at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, the main court at the US Open.
Osaka will face Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in the second round as she continues her campaign at the New York Grand Slam.
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