“I have my headphones off now,” Naomi Osaka celebrates Aryna Sabalenka’s Australian Open success and her infectious energy

Two-time Australian Open winner Naomi Osaka lavished praise on Aryna Sabalenka, who won her second Australian Open title.

Having started the year as the World No. 2, the Belarusian inched closer to the No. 1 spot as she went unbeaten at the Australian Open. Having killed it on her maiden title defense, Sabalenka joined a list of legends to win the Open back-to-back without dropping a set. 

With this monumental achievement, she earned the praise of many, including former Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka herself. Celebrating Sabalenka’s success, the Japanese star admitted to seeing a changed Aryna, a smiling tigress. 

The biggest difference I’ve seen since coming back on tour, granted I have my headphones off now, it’s just she has a different energy around her. I see her smiling more so that’s really nice & it’s really just cool to see. 

Said Naomi Osaka via National News.

Aryna Sabalenka had always carried the title of shouting on the court. As one of the players pours her emotions onto the court, the 25-year-old is now seen with a wide smile. 

Her enjoyment, both on and off the court, seems to translate into her tennis, something that even other players like Osaka have noticed and appreciated her for.

Naomi Osaka lauds Jannik Sinner for his history-creating run at the Australian Open

Japanese star Naomi Osaka noticed one player stand out when she returned, and it was none other than 2024 Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka. 

After losing in the first rounds of her first 12 slams, the Belarusian is now a two-time Australian Open winner and earns the praise of Osaka. Another player whom the Japanese had tabs on was Jannik Sinner. Admitting to talking about the Italian to her coaches, Osaka lauded the player for making his country proud by winning the Grand Slam.

Actually, before the Open started, I was talking to Wim about Sinner, so I feel like in a way we both kept tabs on him. 

Admitted Osaka

After a historic performance at the Australian Open, Sinner became the third Italian to win the Slam. He beat three top 5 players, Andrey Rublev, Novak Djokovic, and Daniil Medvedev to achieve this feat. 

Now, the 26-year-old is on the path to getting back her No. 1 spot. Unfortunately, after successive early exits from tournaments, she lost in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Open. Despite clocking top service speeds during her match against Danielle Collins, the Japanese faced a loss in straight sets. 

Osaka registered a total of 7 aces during the match, which wasn’t enough to beat the American, who has better serve points and accurate returns. With a whole year ahead of her, Osaka aims to make an impact on the WTA Tour.

In Case You Missed It:

• “Just sad,” Cancer survivor Martina Navratilova slaps back at internet toxicity as she sympathizes with ailing King Charles’ cancer diagnosis
• Andre Agassi couldn’t stop smiling as he poses with wife Stefi Graf after winning Pickleball Slam 2

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW