Naomi Osaka made a confident return to the US Open, dispatching Belgium’s Greet Minnen 6-3, 6-4 in 83 minutes on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Wearing a crystal-encrusted red Nike kit and carrying a Labubu charm dubbed “Billie Jean Bling,” the 27-year-old two-time champion struck seven aces, converted all six break points and did not face a break point in the second set. Seeded 23rd, Osaka will meet American Hailey Baptiste in the second round as she continues her bid to become the first mother to win a Grand Slam singles title since 2011. Defending champion Coco Gauff endured a three-set battle under the lights on Arthur Ashe, overcoming Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-5 in a match lasting more than two-and-a-half hours. The world No. 3 unveiled a remodeled service motion that produced 10 double faults but ultimately helped her extend her record to 11 wins in her past 12 US Open matches. Gauff’s athleticism and defensive court coverage proved decisive as she twice recovered breaks in the final set to reach round two. The opening-night victories keep two of the tournament’s biggest attractions in the draw and set up possible deep runs at Flushing Meadows, where early upsets have so far been avoided among the top women’s contenders.