Naomi Osaka has defeated Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets at the U.S. Open for her first victory over a top-10 opponent in more than four years. Osaka is a two-time champion at Flushing Meadows but has missed time in recent seasons because of mental health breaks and while having a baby. Her victory over 2017 French Open winner Ostapenko marked the first opening-round matchup at the U.S. Open between two past Grand Slam champs since Serena Williams eliminated Maria Sharapova five years ago. Other winners on Day 2 in New York included No. 1 Iga Swiatek and No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Jannik Sinner has overcome a poor start at the U.S. Open and won his first match since news of his doping case emerged a week ago. If there were boos at Arthur Ashe Stadium when he was introduced Tuesday, they were imperceptible. Sinner pulled away for a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 victory against Mackie McDonald of the United States to reach the second round at Flushing Meadows. There were no apparent signs in the stands or disparaging shouts making reference to what no one knew about for months: Sinner tested positive twice for trace amounts of the anabolic steroid Clostebol in an eight-day span in March.