PICTURE: An 8-year-old Naomi Osaka watching Rafael Nadal at the US Open 2006 resurfaces ahead of the 2024 edition

As the 2024 US Open unfolds, a picture from the past featuring an 8-year-old Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal resurfaced on the internet. To be precise, the picture showcased Osaka watching Nadal at the 2006 US Open.

The picture shows Osaka watching the Spaniard play with her sister Mari Osaka from the stands. Nadal entered the tournament as the second seed, but his run ended in the quarterfinals with a four-set loss to Mikhail Youzhny. At the 2006 US Open, he was a two-time Grand Slam champion, having clinched two titles at the French Open (2005 and 2006).

12 years later, the tennis prodigy claimed her first US Open title in 2018 and followed up with another victory in 2020. The Spanish star earned his first US Open title in 2010 after defeating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2. He added three more US Open victories to his illustrious career in 2013, 2017, and 2019.

As the current US Open progresses with the 22-time Grand Slam champion's withdrawal and the Japanese superstar's upcoming face-off with Jelena Ostapenko, the image has resurfaced on social media.

Mari, who was present in the stands back in 2006 with her younger sister is a former tennis player and currently works as a fashion designer.

Rafael Nadal withdraws from the 2024 US Open due to his ongoing fitness struggles

Rafael Nadal during the Men's Doubles Quarter-final match at the Summer Olympic Games 2024 at Roland Garros in Paris, France. (Photo by Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal stepped down from competing in the 2024 US Open after citing a lack of fitness and peak form.

He has been navigating a series of injuries since 2023 when he underwent hip injury. The Spaniard was forced to undergo hip surgery, which kept him away from the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

The 38-year-old tennis star also fell short of displaying a remarkable performance during the Olympic season. He displayed a below-par performance at the French Open and was distanced from the podium in Paris. He pulled out of the 2024 US Open, acknowledging he wouldn't be at his best.

"Hi all, writing today to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories," he wrote. "I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time."

However, the Spanish powerhouse is committed to participating in the 2024 Laver Cup.