Naomi Osaka compares herself to Paige Bueckers before US Open
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 2:01 AM
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
Naomi Osaka prepares to start her US Open campaign against Anastasia Zakharova. Ahead of her matches, Osaka named WNBA player Paige Bueckers as a comparison in an interview, highlighting her admiration for Bueckers. Both athletes found early success in their careers, with Osaka winning the US Open in 2018 and Bueckers gaining attention as a top college basketball player. Osaka, ranked No. 13, aims for her third US Open title, having reached the semifinal last year and the quarterfinals at Wimbledon this summer.
- •Osaka faces Zakharova in her US Open opener on Monday.
- •Osaka has previously won the US Open twice.
- •Bueckers attended the 2024 Mubadala DC Open to support Tiafoe.
- •Both athletes rose to prominence at young ages in their sports.
- •Osaka is a former world No. 1 and high-paid athlete.
- 2:01 AMYahoo Sports — Tennis star Naomi Osaka lists UConn's Paige Bueckers as WNBA comparison: 'Really cool'
"Naomi Osaka will begin her US Open run Monday evening, looking for her third win in the competition.
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