Greet Minnen vs. Naomi Osaka Full Match | 2025 US Open Round 1

Match Overview & Player Form

• 🎾 The match featured Naomi Osaka, ranked 24th and seeded 23rd, coming off a strong run to the Montreal final, and Greet Minnen, who hadn't won a match since Eastbourne due to a back injury.
• ⚠️ Minnen's early stages were crucial for building confidence after her injury, especially on the physically demanding hardcourt surface.

Naomi Osaka's New Coaching Relationship

• 🧠 Osaka recently started working with new coach Thomas Victorski, known for his direct approach and tactical expertise, which Osaka appreciates.
• 🚀 Victorski, former coach of Iga Swiatek, had a positive start with Osaka, leading to her Montreal final appearance, despite limited time for physical work.

Greet Minnen's Strategy and Early Performance

• ✨ Minnen demonstrated variety in her game, using slices and mixing up rhythms to counter Osaka's power, and was effective at the net.
• 💪 Early on, Minnen was hitting the ball harder and achieving better length on her shots, pushing Osaka behind the baseline and showing confidence despite her recent struggles.

Osaka's Mid-Match Adjustments

• 📉 Osaka initially struggled with her first serve pace and discipline, leading to a "handbrake" feeling and a high number of unforced errors.
• 💡 Her coach, Thomas Victorski, maintained a quiet and considered approach, allowing Osaka to self-correct and find her mental strength during critical moments.

Second Set Turnaround & Victory

• 🔥 After falling behind in the second set, Osaka displayed mental resilience, flipping a switch to regain intensity and quality in her play.
• ✅ Osaka ultimately secured a straight-sets victory (6-3, 6-4), with her relationship with the new coach described as "blooming nicely," despite an "up and down" performance.