Following her first top 10 win in four years, Naomi Osaka paid tribute to one of the biggest influences on her career in her post-match press conference.
The former world No. 1-ranked women's tennis star appeared in the press room at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center wearing a black Kobe Bryant jersey after defeating Latvia's 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, on the courts of Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Bryant was the mentor of the 26-year-old Osaka until his death in January 2020, and the tennis star has spoken openly about the impact his tutelage had on her in the four years since his death.
“For me, I always put on my Kobe jersey after games and practice because I feel like I can feel a little bit closer to his spirit,” Osaka told reporters on Tuesday.
Five years ago, on the same court, Bryant sat in Osaka's box watching her defeat Poland's Magda Linette in the second round of the 2019 U.S. Open.
Osaka, a two-time U.S. Open champion, admitted she was surprised when Bryant showed up to support her during her match Tuesday night.
“Honestly, I couldn't believe that he came all the way out there to watch me play. I couldn't believe the support,” Osaka said.
The jersey appeared to be the same one she wore during her mixed doubles exhibition match last Tuesday with Nick Kirigios, who also wore a yellow Lakers No. 8 jersey on the court.
The tribute came just days before what would have been the NBA superstar's 46th birthday.
Osaka's jersey was a black Lakers jersey with the number 24 on the back and the number 8 on the front.
Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on January 26, 2020, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.
Osaka's win on Tuesday was her first U.S. Open victory in two years and 13 months since giving birth to her daughter Shai.
Osaka, who was unseeded, was overcome with emotion after her win.
She will face Karolina Muchova in the second round.
