During the 2024 US Open’s ‘Mixed Madness’ event, tennis stars Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka joined forces in a touching tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant. The exhibition marked Kyrgios’ return to the court after a prolonged absence due to a wrist injury1. Here are the highlights:
Mixed Madness Format: The event featured four teams competing in a one-set knockout match. Alongside Osaka and Kyrgios, other pairs included Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas, Taylor Fritz and Amanda Anisimova, and Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton.
Kobe Bryant Jerseys: Both Osaka and Kyrgios donned Kobe Bryant’s iconic No. 8 LA Lakers jerseys during the exhibition. The basketball legend tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020, leaving a lasting impact on sports fans worldwide.
Emotional Connection: Kyrgios, a devoted basketball fan, wore Bryant’s jersey during his fourth-round match against Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open in 2020. He later got a tattoo in Bryant’s honor, emphasizing the impact the basketball legend had on his life.
Osaka’s Tribute: Naomi Osaka also spoke about Bryant’s influence on her career. She considered him like an older brother or uncle, someone she could turn to for advice. In an interview with GQ, she shared how Bryant always picked up the phone when she called, creating a unique bond between them.
In summary, the mixed doubles exhibition allowed Kyrgios and Osaka to honor Kobe Bryant’s memory while showcasing their tennis skills. Their heartfelt tribute resonated with fans, emphasizing the enduring impact of sports icons beyond their respective fields.
Naomi Osaka in 2024
Now the world no.85, Naomi played her last match on the 12th of August when she capitulated to world no.61 Ashlyn Krueger 6-3 2-6 6-3 in the qualifications in Cincinnati (draw).
Until now, during this year the Japanese owns a composed 18-16 match record.