Osaka defends US Open crown with Barty leading top rivalsJapan's Naomi Osaka hopes to celebrate her third title in four attempts at this year's US Open, which starts Monday in New York. NEW YORK: Defending champion Naomi Osaka seeks her third US Open title in four tries as the year's final Grand Slam begins Monday with top-ranked Wimbledon winner Ashleigh Barty leading a host of rivals. Osaka pulled out of the French Open after being fined for not talking to reporters after her first match, saying it hurt her mental health. Barty won her first major title at the 2019 French Open and her second trophy in London put her halfway to a career Grand Slam. Williams, who turns 40 next month, remains one shy of Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

Source: Bangkok Post August 26, 2021 00:00 UTC