For the past six years and five months, Naomi Osaka has been unable to win a match at Wimbledon. She became a mother last year and was off the tour. On Monday, Osaka defeated Diane Parry 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 in Monday’s opening round match at the All England Club.
Andy Murray was contemplating playing soon after spinal surgery, and Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka both withdrew due to shoulder injuries. Osaka has not fared well on grass, failing to make it past Wimbledon’s third round despite her dominance on hard courts. After a 15-month break, she is back in the rankings at No. 113.
The defending U.S. Open winner, Coco Gauff, defeated Caroline Dolehide by scores of 6-1, 6-2. Though she recalled it as a difficult experience, Gauff looked back on last year’s first-round exit and fondly remembered her debut at Wimbledon when she was fifteen years old.
Along with Raducanu, Carlos Alcaraz proceeded to the round of 16, where he won the 2021 U.S. Open. In spite of his nerves, Alcaraz prevailed over Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal 7-6(3), 7-5, 6-2.
After overcoming personal obstacles and rediscovering her form, Osaka’s return is a major accomplishment.
