“I felt a little like a failure,” Naomi Osaka’s confidence takes a hit after Abu Dhabi’s loss to Danielle Collins 

Osaka disappointed in herself after another first-round exit.

“I felt a little like a failure,” Naomi Osaka’s confidence takes a hit after Abu Dhabi’s loss to Danielle Collins 

Naomi Osaka (via Imago)

Naomi Osaka, the Japanese pro, gave a harsh self-assessment after her disappointing first-round loss at the Abu-Dhabi Open. Osaka was up against Danielle Collins at the Abu Dhabi Open. After a good start, the 4-time Grand Slam Champion lost her return game completely.

Despite her good service games, Osaka failed to hold her return game, eventually losing the match. She lost 5-7,0-6 to suffer another first-round exit. 

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I say some pretty harsh words about myself. I know the word, but if I say it, it sounds really bad. I felt a little like a 'failure', but I don't want to be too harsh. 
Osaka via AFP

Back in September 2022, Osaka took a much-needed break from tennis to figure herself out, and soon she announced her pregnancy. The maternity break lasted till the the end of 2023, and with the arrival of 2024, came the comeback of the former Australian Open winner. 

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Unfortunately, she did not get back her lost form and suffered continuous early losses in all her tournaments. She lost in the Brisbane International round 2, and following that were all first-round losses. The two-time Australian Open champion had only one win to her name in 3 tournaments. Looking back on herself, she was disappointed but is hopeful to win soon, if not for herself, for her daughter. 

Naomi Osaka’s form carried onto her first doubles match after a heart-breaking singles loss at the Abu Dhabi Open

Osaka was up and about at the Abu Dhabi Open. Confident to win a title, she had signed up for both singles and doubles tournaments. 

Naomi Osaka and Danielle Collins
Naomi Osaka and Danielle Collins (via Imago)

Unfortunately, things were not in her favor. Osaka suffered a first-round loss in the singles leg of the tournament against the 2022 Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins in straight sets. This disappointing loss translated into her doubles match as well. Osaka had teamed up with Ons Jabeur ahead of the tournament.

Returning from a loss, the Japanese pro was not up to the mark as they suffered another straight-set loss 3-6,3-6. Osaka had previously revealed that she accepted the wildcard entry into the Abu Dhabi Open to rediscover herself but she did not leave with much positives. However, the year has only begun, leaving more than enough tournaments for Osaka to try and win.

Using her protected ranking, the Japanese star will play at the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha. With a lot at stake, the Japanese star will look to get some form back before the next major title.

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