“Why do people mistake me for Naomi Osaka?": Australian star questions after first Grand Slam win
WTA
The world No. 195 player, Destanee Aiava, claimed that she is constantly mistaken for her fellow 4-time Grand Slam champion, Naomi Osaka, while at the Australian Open. The Australian player overcame the tournament's qualifying rounds and passed the first round by defeating Greet Minnen in a third-set tie-break (5-7, 7-5, 7-6).
The 24-year-old took to social media to comment on her issue. “Why are people commenting and mistaking me for Naomi Osaka (I love her, don’t come for me) like I’m genuinely confused why multiple people are getting me mixed up with her ??????????” she wrote on Instagram.
Aiava is still an unknown on the WTA Tour, with her best ranking at No. 147 and only a handful of appearances at Tour-level tournaments. She has had first-round appearances at the Australian Open, thanks to wildcards, but this time—after overcoming qualifying—she achieved her first main draw Grand Slam victory.
In the second round, she will face the 11th seed, Danielle Collins, a tough challenge for the local player. The American former AO finalist defeated Daria Snigur in straight sets, and although she showed some service issues, she managed to secure the win without major surprises.
DESTANEE FULFILLED AT #AO2025
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2025
Aiava fights back from the brink to score her first AO main draw victory! @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/RZbtWLTNMR
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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