'This year hasn't really been a great year' for Naomi Osaka

The US Open wasn't a successful one for Naomi Osaka as she lost in the first round of the Grand Slam to Danielle Collins.

The Japanese star was unable to shake off her injury issues that has affected her all season.

The four time Grand Slam champion lost 7-6(5) 6-3 to Collins meaning Osaka has been knocked out in the first round yet again this season.

Although in the first set there were positives for the former World number 1 as she put up a strong contested battle as it went down to the wire.

However in the second set the American performed to a better standard to get herself a win knocking Osaka out.

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Osaka's previous successful visits in 2018 and 2020 did not provide much help for her this time. She emphasised her difficulty in her post-match interview.

"I didn't really trust my forehand that much, and I think that maybe you could see that a little bit."

"I also felt like I was on my back foot a lot. So, yeah, overall I wouldn't say that I played very well, but I tried the hardest with what I could do."

"I feel like I lost in the first round of France, too, so... This year hasn't really been a great year. I mean, it was pretty hard for me."

"I think it was just special to play on Ashe. I think a lot of players would die for that opportunity. For the tournament to let me still play on that even though I'm unseeded, I'm very thankful."

"I feel like everyone deals with injuries. I would say for me, it's been more prominent this year. But I think it's something that I can learn."

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