"Don't discount Naomi Osaka", says Martina Navratilova about the Japanese player's chances at the US Open

Former world number one Martina Navratilova believes that it would be wrong to rule out Japan’s tennis star Naomi Osaka from the list of candidates who will start the US Open 2024 as one of the underdogs to go all the way and lift the title. The fourth and final Grand Slam of the year began on Monday, and players from all over the world are participating to showcase their talent and secure the ultimate prize.

Navratilova, who is often regarded as one of the greatest players in women’s tennis history, having won as many as 18 Grand Slam titles, was recently quoted in a report where she highlighted a number of players who can be classified as underdogs, particularly the 67-year-old Osaka.

“Mirra Andreeva is really making her mark. She’s seeded No 21 at the Open – that’s crazy – how fast did that happen? And she’s still only 17,” she said. “And her sister [Erika, 20] not far behind. She’s got a lot of confidence after almost beating Iga in Cincinnati [losing in the quarter-finals in three sets]. Danielle Collins had a great first half of the year. She’s looking to finish strong. And don’t discount [two-time champion] Naomi Osaka – although she’s got a barnburner in the first round, against Jelena Ostapenko.

Osaka has a fabulous record while playing at the US Open, where she lifted the title two times. She first won the title in 2018 when she defeated the former world number one Serena Williams in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-4. She then won the title two years later when she defeated Victoria Azarenka in the final with a score of 1–6, 6–3, 6–3. She will begin her campaign this year against Latvia’s Jeļena Ostapenko in the first round.