Sep 3, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) reacts after defeating Karolina Muchova (CZE) (not pictured) on day eleven of the 2025 US Open tennis championships at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesNaomi Osaka is set to compete against a formidable field, including Alexandra Eala and defending champion Leylah Fernandez, in pursuit of the coveted Mubadala DC Open trophy. Despite the competition, the former world No. 1 has nothing but admiration for her rivals, showering both Eala and Fernandez with praise ahead of her campaign.What Naomi Osaka Said About Alexandra Eala and Leylah FernandezAfter her impressive run to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, which included a win over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round, Osaka has arrived at the DC Open looking to build on that momentum as the North American hardcourt swing gets underway.During her pre-tournament press conference, Osaka was asked for her thoughts on Eala and Fernandez. Speaking about Fernandez, she praised the Canadian as an exceptional player and reflected on their rivalry, with their head-to-head record standing at 1-1.Yeah, Ive played against Leylah a couple of times. The last official match was in China in Wuhan last year, but Ive practiced with her a couple of times, too. Obviously shes an amazing player. And its funny, both of them are lefties, Osaka said.Osaka was equally complimentary of Eala. While acknowledging that she does not know the Filipina personally, Osaka said she greatly admires Eala and appreciates how she navigates being a role model.Yeah, I mean, I dont know much about Alex, but I think shes incredible. I think shes a star, and its just really cool to have someone like her that, I guess, people can look up to. For me, I think its amazing that shes such an inspiration. I really love hearing her talk because its really cool the things that she says, she added.MORE:Naomi Osaka Refuses To Push Daughter Shai To Become a Tennis Star I Dont Think Id Encourage ItSimilarly, Eala spoke highly of Fernandez during her own press conference, recognizing the Canadian as a formidable threat at the WTA 500 event in Washington, D.C.Then you mentioned Leylah being a defending champion, I mean, its amazing. I think what shes done here is really great. Shes a great player. Shes definitely someone to look out for here, yeah, she said.No. 7 seed Leylah Fernandez has kicked off her title defense with a dominant 6-1, 6-4 win over Magda Linette. The Canadian could now face Alexandra Eala in a blockbuster second-round showdown, provided the Filipina triumphs over Zheng Qinwen in her opening match at the DC Open.Meanwhile, No. 3 seed Naomi Osaka will take on Ashlyn Krueger in the second round, following a first-round bye.