Wimbledon, England - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 1, 2024 | Photo Credit: Reuthers
The Haitian Tribune Staff
Published Sun Jul 3, 2024 1234 AM EDT
Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action during her women’s singles first round match against France’s Diane Parry REUTERS/Paul ChildsWINBLEDON, England (HT) — Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka marked a triumphant return to Wimbledon with a hard-fought victory over France’s Diane Parry in the first round on Monday. This win, her first at Wimbledon since 2018, saw the Japanese-Haitian star reclaim her form on the prestigious grass courts with a 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 scoreline.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, displayed resilience and skill as she overcame a challenging second set and a breakdown in the final set to secure her victory. The match was a roller-coaster, beginning with a dominant first set where Osaka’s powerful groundstrokes and 34 winners left Parry struggling to keep up.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second set as Parry capitalized on Osaka’s errors to level the match. In the decisive third set, Osaka’s experience and determination shone through. She broke back after being down a break to clinch the set and the match, drawing cheers from the London crowd.
“It’s like a dream,” Osaka said in her post-match interview. “I’ve worked so hard to be back here, and to win today feels incredible. This place has always been special to me, and to get this win is a great start.”
Osaka’s victory is particularly poignant as she looks forward to celebrating with her daughter, who turns one on Tuesday. “This win is for her,” Osaka added, beaming with pride. “It’s a special moment for our family, and I can’t wait to share it with her.”
The win marks an important milestone for Osaka, who has faced numerous challenges, including injuries and personal struggles, since her last appearance at Wimbledon. Her Monday performance highlights her resilience and sets the stage for a promising campaign at this year’s tournament.
As she advances to the next round, Osaka remains a player to watch. She embodies the spirit of determination and excellence. Fans and supporters eagerly anticipate her next match, hoping for more thrilling performances from the former world No. 1.
The Haitian Tribune celebrates Naomi Osaka’s inspiring journey and her remarkable comeback on the global stage. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage of Wimbledon 2024.
