Chris Evert had so much to say about last night’s US Open semi-finals, both of which were a sparkling advert for the women’s game.
After all, the first saw Aryna Sabalenka come from a set down to beat the home favourite Jessica Pegula in spectacular fashion, winning the deciding third set despite her opponent dropping just four points on serve all set.
Next up was Amanda Anisimova’s clash with Naomi Osaka, in a far less predictable affair.
Alas, when the Japanese star stole the first set on a tiebreak, she seemed set to cruise into the US Open final.
Anisimova, however, was not to be denied, and rallied back to end Osaka’s magical run in New York.
Regardless of her defeat, Evert has still commended the 27-year-old.
Chris Evert praises Naomi Osaka’s work rate
Speaking midway through the match live on ESPN, just after Evert had sent a heartfelt message to Pegula after her crushing loss, she turned her attention to Osaka.
After all, it had been a remarkable run for the four-time Grand Slam champion, effectively marking her return to the apex of the sport and as a contender for these elite honours.
For that, she has her new coach to thank, with Tomasz Wiktorowski having helped reignite her season after so many struggles.
However, she has also had to put the work in herself, and Evert wanted to commend her for that.
She noted: “Naomi Osaka has such improved fitness and is moving so much better. She really worked on that this summer. And her ball tolerance and her rallies are much more consistent.”
What has Naomi Osaka said about her new coach?
Osaka has praised her new coach Wiktorowski on numerous occasions since their official partnership began, and with the results that have most recently come, it’s clear to see why.
After all, he has brought clarity to her camp, and finally helped her to reach a level of fitness and confidence that is helping her once again compete at the top level of the sport.
Speaking about the Polish tactician just after her loss in the Canadian Open final, Osaka admitted: “Honestly, I think for me, what’s working well is I am very confident in my fitness. I’m really comfortable just getting balls back now, and I really enjoy Tomasz. I don’t know if to say his name is ‘Thomas’ or ‘Tomasz.’ I’m so sorry.
“But I enjoy his coaching style. He’s very direct and to the point. For someone like me, who my thoughts scatter around often, it’s very helpful.”
