*Rising tennis star Naomi Osaka pulled off a stunning first round upset this afternoon at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Competing at the US Open in New York, the 19-year-old – of Japanese and Haitian descent – defeated defending US Open champion Angelique Kerber of Germany in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1.
Osaka, who was raised in New York and Fort Lauderdale but represents Japan, entered this year’s US Open as the No. 45 ranked women’s player in the world. Kerber was the No. 6 seed.
Although Osaka was hampered by an abdominal injury earlier this month, she was able to blast 22 forehand and backhand winners to Kerber’s nine in today’s 65 minute drubbing. Kerber also had 23 unforced errors.
At the 2016 US Open, Osaka famously led Madison Keys 5-1 in the final set in round three before losing. Of the memory, Osaka said of today’s win: “It means a lot, especially since last time I was here.
“This court has not given me fond memories but hopefully this overtakes that.
