“They’re playing incredible tennis,” Naomi Osaka hails Iga Swiatek & Aryna Sabalenka for taking tennis to a level she was never at, even at her best
Naomi Osaka claims that the two fiery players inspire her to do better.
Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka (in circle) (Via IMAGO)
Naomi Osaka, who ruled women’s tennis after Serena Williams’ reign, returned to action recently, post a long hiatus after becoming a mother. She is not yet back to the level she was playing at before her break, but is still producing great tennis and earning important victories.
The Japanese-American star now faces her biggest challenge in a while, drawing Iga Swiatek as a potential early encounter in the French Open. She has been open about the prospect of playing Swiatek being scary.
Ahead of her first match match, Osaka was asked about her level compared to that of Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka’s. Honest and respectful as always, she praised the two for taking women’s tennis to a level and consistency that even she had not managed to reach.
I mean, I feel like you would have to tell me that. I think that's kind of more of an outside perspective. For me, I'm so focused on what I'm doing. And I know, like, they're playing incredible tennis and they're doing it almost always. And I was never the type of player to do that, anyways. So I'm looking at them as an inspiration, and I don't know. This part of my journey, I'm not really comparing myself right now. Maybe later when I get more confident and towards the level that I want, maybe on hard court I can start doing that, but as of right now, I really feel like I'm really just kind of learning again.Naomi Osaka told the reporters
Naomi Osaka says Iga Swiatek & Aryna Sabalenka are playing incredible tennis almost all the time & that she was never the type of player to do that, even at her best
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 25, 2024
“In your past days you were as dominant as Iga Swiatek and Sabalenka right now. How far away do you think you are… pic.twitter.com/jkf8PaRbxM
This indicated that the tennis that is displayed by Swiatek and Sabalenka is inspirational enough to motivate and teach even someone who is as accomplished as herself.
Naomi Osaka to face Italian Lucia Bronzetti as she begins her French Open 2024 journey
The four-time grand slam champion and former world number one, Naomi Osaka, is set to play in this year’s French Open, after missing the 2023 edition. Draws and schedules for the tournament were announced earlier this week, and Osaka will be playing her first match on Sunday against Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti.
Despite the two players currently being unseeded, their match will be held in the center court, the Philippe Chatrier Court, owing to Osaka’s glittered career. The two players have never faced each other in an official tournament and this will be their first battle.
Osaka seems to be the favorite to win the match, but it remains uncertain given her recent results. She would be hoping her vast experience playing big matches can carry her through the first few rounds of the tournament.
In case you missed it:
- “I don’t want to close the door, this place is magical,” Rafael Nadal confirms this may not be the last time he plays at Roland Garros
- “I want to enjoy his tennis,” Carlos Alcaraz wants to enjoy every bit of Rafael Nadal’s last moments on tour
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