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Osaka soaks in unique 2020 US Open victory

Naomi Osaka did her post-US Open win press in a Kobe Bryant jersey and revealed she's been wearing one all fortnight long. The 22-year-old had a special friendship with the late Bryant and he has helped inspire her.

"I just want to be the type of person that he thought I was going to be," the 2020 US Open champion told press. "He thought I was going to be great, so hopefully I will be great in the future. Only time will tell."

After Bryant's death in January, Osaka posted a heartfelt letter on social media calling the Lakers' legend her big bro, mentor and inspiration.

Osaka beat Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 in Saturday's final to raise her third career Grand Slam trophy. She celebrated by laying down on the court in front of a mostly vacant Arthur Ashe Stadium.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 12: Naomi Osaka of Japan lays down in celebration after winning her Women's Singles final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Day Thirteen of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 12, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
© 2020 Getty Images

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"I was thinking about all the times I've watched the great players sort of collapse onto the ground and look up into the sky," she said. "I've always wanted to see what they saw. For me, it was really an incredible moment. I'm really glad I did it."

She would do her champion's photoshoot around the grounds of the empty USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

After her successful stint in New York, Osaka will rise to No. 3 in the rankings on Monday.