• Naomi Osaka throws out a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday. AFP
    Naomi Osaka throws out a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday. AFP
  • Osaka of Japan laughs with the LA Dodgers' Kenta Maeda. AFP
    Osaka of Japan laughs with the LA Dodgers' Kenta Maeda. AFP
  • Osaka is the defending US Open champion. AFP
    Osaka is the defending US Open champion. AFP
  • Osaka focuses ahead of her pitch. AP Photo
    Osaka focuses ahead of her pitch. AP Photo
  • Maeda of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Naomi Osaka, Miyavi and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels pose together. AFP
    Maeda of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Naomi Osaka, Miyavi and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels pose together. AFP
  • Osaka makes her pitch at Dodger Stadium. AP
    Osaka makes her pitch at Dodger Stadium. AP
  • Osaka poses with Los Angeles Dodgers' Kenta Maeda. AP Photo
    Osaka poses with Los Angeles Dodgers' Kenta Maeda. AP Photo
  • Osaka celebrates her pitch. AP Photo
    Osaka celebrates her pitch. AP Photo
  • Osaka is aiming to be the first player since Serena Williams to retain the US Open when the tournament starts on August 26 in New York. AFP
    Osaka is aiming to be the first player since Serena Williams to retain the US Open when the tournament starts on August 26 in New York. AFP
  • Osaka makes her pitch. Reuters
    Osaka makes her pitch. Reuters

Tennis

Naomi Osaka throws out ceremonial first pitch for LA Dodgers as she prepares for US Open title defence - in pictures

The American had a fun night out in Los Angeles on Wednesday as she pitched things up for the Dodgers

Graham Caygill

July 25, 2019

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Naomi Osaka took the night off from tennis on Wednesday as she tried her hand at baseball.

The 21 year old threw the ceremonial pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of their MLB clash with the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium.

The two-time major winner visibly enjoyed her experience as she laughed and joked with Kenta Maeda from the Dodgers.

Speaking before she had pitched the ball, the women's world No 2 said: "This is my second time watching live baseball and I'm really honoured to have the chance to do this.

"Also I'm a bit nervous about throwing the ball but I'll have fun.

"I see a lot of people who throw really good and I also see a lot of people who throw really bad, so I hope I'm one of the better throwers."

The Angels went on to win the match 3-2.

Osaka, after her first-round exit at Wimbledon, is beginning her build towards trying to defend her US Open title, which begins on August 26 in New York.

The American is scheduled to be next in action at the Canadian Open in Toronto, which begins on August 5.

Tennis