Naomi Osaka Debuts at US Open With Win Over Anastasia Zakharova

Naomi Osaka stepped onto the court for her opening match at the 2026 US Open with a memorable tribute to Allen Iverson. Facing a tough opponent in Anastasia Zakharova during Monday night's action, Osaka had to dig deep to find her rhythm.

The first set proved to be an intense battle that tested the mental resilience of both competitors. Neither player was willing to give an inch, extending the opening frame to a dramatic tiebreak.

Osaka managed to edge out her opponent 7-6 in the first-set tiebreak to take a crucial lead. The second set followed a similarly grueling script, with long rallies and high-pressure moments defining the contest.

Zakharova fought back fiercely, refusing to let the match slip away easily in straight sets. Ultimately, Osaka held her nerve once again in the second-set tiebreak, winning it 7-6 to seal the overall victory.

This hard-earned win successfully propels the star player into the next round of the prestigious tournament.