WASHINGTON (7News) — Tennis star Naomi Osaka spent Monday afternoon meeting some of her fans at the D.C. Open
Osaka has retuned to the District to compete in the annual Mubadala D.C. Open. She is currently ranked No. 13 in the Women’s Tennis Association.
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“For me it feels really good, just to be surrounded by so many amazing people and such an incredible vibe,” Osaka told 7News’ Jade Lawson.
Other major names include Maryland’s own Francis Tiafoe, Venus Williams and Ben Shelton.
The tennis champion hosted a small “cookout” a get together on the Mubadala Open grounds.
“It was a lot of fun, I think maybe next year I won’t do it so last minute,” Osaka joked.
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The 28-year-old earned a bye in the first round along with 2019 Washington champion, Jessica Pegula along with Elina Svitolina Diana Shnaider – they are all expected to compete in the second round as early as Wednesday.
“Its only like my fourth time out here. I would say I’m a little bit of a rookie,” she smiled.
The Mubadala D.C. Open combined ATP-WTA 500 professional tennis tournament runs from July 27 to Aug. 2 at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.