Naomi Osaka began her 2025 US Open journey with a moment that transcended competition. She partnered with Gaël Monfils, the electrifying Frenchman she admired as a young fan, for a round of mixed doubles on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The pairing was a surprise wildcard entry, but for Osaka, it was a deeply personal milestone. “Played with my GOAT,” she wrote afterward, adding that she was thrilled to cross this off her bucket list.
A Match Filled with Joy and Connection
Though Osaka and Monfils were defeated by Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets, the experience was anything but disappointing. The duo shared smiles, encouragement, and even parenting jokes—both are parents to young daughters. Osaka described Monfils as “super kind” and “adorable,” noting how he constantly lifted her spirits during the match. Their chemistry on court reflected a mutual respect and lighthearted camaraderie.
The Impact of a Childhood Hero
During her press conference, Osaka reflected on Monfils’ influence. “I don’t think he knows how important of a figure he is to tennis players like me,” she said. She recalled watching him play live as a child, waiting in the Miami heat just to see his matches. That admiration never faded, and now, years later, she stood beside him as a partner on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
Looking Ahead with Inspiration
Osaka enters the singles draw seeded 23rd, her first time as a seed at the US Open in five years. Fresh off a runner-up finish at the Canadian Open, she’s showing signs of a strong return to form. The mixed doubles experience with Monfils may not have added a trophy to her shelf, but it brought something equally valuable: a reminder of why she fell in love with the sport in the first place.
Naomi Osaka in 2025
Ranked no.25, the Japanese played her last contest on the 7th of August when she capitulated to world no.24 Victoria Mboko 2-6 6-4 6-1 in the final in Montreal (draw).
Currently, during this season the Japanese has managed to achieve a compiled 27-12 win-loss record. Naomi clinched 1 title in the Malo. The Japanese was the finalist in Auckland and Montreal.
Gael Monfils in 2025
At the moment ranked no.50, the French player played his last match on the 27th of July when he surrendered to world no.135 Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera 6-4 4-6 7-6(3) in the 1st round in Toronto (draw).
Until now, during this year the French player owns a compiled 18-13 match record. Gael clinched 1 title in Auckland.