Naomi Osaka Honors Kobe Bryant at US Open

Naomi Osaka recently reflected on the emotional impact of Kobe Bryant's presence at her 2019 U.S. Open match while celebrating her first top-10 victory in four years over Jelena Ostapenko. After her win, she wore a black Lakers jersey featuring Bryant's numbers 8 and 24 during the post-match press conference, expressing how wearing his jerseys helps her feel connected to his spirit. Osaka recalled being in disbelief that Bryant attended her match, which underscored the support he provided throughout her career until his tragic death in 2020. This victory marks Osaka's return to the U.S. Open after a hiatus following the birth of her daughter and her last appearance in 2022, where she faced a first-round defeat. She aims to continue her momentum as she prepares to face Karolína Muchová in the second round. The tribute coincided with what would have been Bryant's 46th birthday, highlighting the lasting influence he had on Osaka's journey in tennis.