Osaka shocks defending champion Kerber in the first round of the US Open

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Wilson Blade 9

After last year’s finalist Karolina Pliskova survived her sluggish start to the tournament earlier on Tuesday, defending champion and former world No.1 Angelique Kerber got dismantled by world No.45 Naomi Osaka in the first round of the US Open, 6-3 6-1 in just 65 minutes.

The 19-year-old Osaka never trailed during her encounter with the sixth-ranked Kerber and recorded her first career victory over a Top 10 player. Calm and collected, yet aggressive, Osaka never dropped serve during the match and was better than Kerber in all aspects of the game, including a much better winners-to-unforced errors differential, +5 compared to Kerber’s -14.

The last previous time a defending US Open champion had lost in the first round was in 2005, when that happened to Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Not only is Osaka’s game a joy to watch, but the Japanese’s complexion and hairstyle make every outfit look extra awesome. In this match that featured two players wearing the new Adidas by Pharrell Williams gear, Osaka looked stunning in the Adidas Pharrell NY Tank, navy Adidas Pharrell NY Skirt and complementary Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 3 Pharrell Shoes, while Kerber’s exposure of her Colorblock Dress was much shorter than expected.

Our photographer Jimmie48 will post more photos from this match later today, so stay tuned.

8 COMMENTS

  1. Man I’m really rooting for Kerber to get out of her slump. I don’t care if she never wins another Slam, but to see her flop at all these tournaments this year is depressing.

    I like Naomi a lot so I’m happy for her! I hope she keeps improving. Her social media also gives me life.

  2. Kerber is just pathetic at this point , and I don’t mean it in a mean way , I actually feel bad for her , going from the top to losing in early rounds to (talented but ) unexperienced players … Good for Osaka though , I hope she gets through her second round .

  3. Naomi is really fun to watch. I even follow her on social media. She’s really an interesting player. As for Angie, I’m still a huge fan of her. I know that the monkeys are off her back. She’ll play her best again. No more pressure now from her end.

  4. Kerber seems to have a loss of confidence and has gone back to her old counter-punching ways. That is not going to lead to winning grand slams.
    Osaka is fun to watch and quite a character. Happy to see her overcome what seemed to be a bad draw.

  5. Hey Marija, I liked Naomi’s post match interview with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi. She does have a little dry wit about her. I will have to check out her social media. Do you like the tube socks like Naomi and some of the ladies are wearing. I kind of like it! 😉

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