United Airlines Loses Naomi Osaka's Tennis Rackets Ahead of Cincinnati Open

Stars, they’re just like us! 

Just ask tennis star Naomi Osaka, who recently dealt with a common airplane issue—lost baggage.

The four-time Grand Slam champion ran into this issue when arriving at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport at 7:30 pm on Friday to play in the Cincinnati Open. Making matters worse, without her bags, Osaka would not be able to play in the tournament as she posted on X.

"Lol @united lost my bags and if I don’t get them tonight or tomorrow I literally can’t play Cinncinati," Osaka said in the post. 

Osaka didn’t specify why she wouldn’t be able to play, but one could only guess that her bags had her rackets and other match gear in them.

Given her popularity and stature, Osaka’s post on X quickly gained traction and prompted United to respond in a timely fashion.

“Hi, Naomi. We're sorry to hear this,” United’s post said. “We'd like to look into this and assist further. When you have a moment, please DM your bag tag number. ^NB”

Two hours later, United publicly followed up with Osaka again with another post on X.

“Hi, Naomi. We wanted to let you know we can confirm your bags have arrived in Cincinnati," United’s post said. “Please send us a DM so we can finalize the plan to reunite you with your baggage. ^NB”

It is unclear whether Osaka actually sent a Direct Message to United, but based on a tweet from Eleanor Adams, who is loosely associated with the Cincinnati Open, the tennis tournament’s transportation team got the 26-year-old’s luggage from airport and were bringing it to her.

To tie a bow on this amusing saga, Osaka herself posted on X on Saturday morning that she received her bags. 

With her luggage in her possession, Osaka was able to play in the Cincinnati Open, where she won her first match and is now set to play a Qualifying Round on Monday.