“I know what I am capable of,” Naomi Osaka sparks confidence as she is motivated to face off Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff

Naomi Osaka has had a patchy comeback so far.

“I know what I am capable of,” Naomi Osaka sparks confidence as she is motivated to face off Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek (Image via: Imago)

Two years ago, Naomi Osaka was probably the biggest name on the WTA Tour. The Japanese ace was consistent at winning titles and it made her an intimidating opponent.

However, she took a break for the birth of her first child and now when Osaka has made a comeback, that potency is gone. The 26-year-old has lost two out of the three matches played so far.

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While Osaka managed to survive till the second round at her comeback tournament- Brisbane International, she had a first-round exit at the 2024 Australian Open. Osaka lost to Caroline Garcia in straight sets. Nevertheless, despite such a rough start to the season, Osaka backs herself to bounce back.

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The Japanese ace, currently playing at the Abu Dhabi Open has said that she knows what she is capable of and aims to regain her position in the top lot of the players.

When Osaka was asked if she sees herself as a challenger to the top players on the tour like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, the Japanese gave an interesting answer. 

I’m at a weird point right now in this comeback. I, obviously, have so much respect for them and everything that they’ve done. But I don’t really see myself as a challenger, which is a weird thing. It’s really bold to say but I know what I’m capable of, and I know people are going to probably drag me for saying this, but I don’t think it’s a stretch for me to say that I see myself there. And I hope that I can get there this year, hopefully towards the tail-end of the year.
Naomi Osaka said to The National.

Naomi Osaka does not mind being called crazy

As Naomi Osaka has had a patchy comeback so far, the Japanese rues facing tough opponents in the first few rounds. However, knowing how draws work, Osaka is determined to improve her ranking so that she has some leverage at the start of a tournament.

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Naomi Osaka (Image via Imago)

But that does not mean that Osaka is afraid of facing the No.1 seed at a tournament. The 26-year-old says that she plays with this mentality where she expects herself to win the match.

Osaka admitted that many may call it a delusion but she likes it that way as it works for her. She then also claimed that getting called crazy does not bother her.

But for right now, I’m the type of person that, even if I play the No. 1 seed, I want myself to win and I kind of expect myself to win, which is the delusion part. But I try not to make too many excuses. I feel like in some capacity, everyone who has achieved something crazy has been called crazy along the way.
Naomi Osaka says.

Notably, Noami Osaka will be expecting to do well at the Abu Dhabi Open where she is pitted against American Danielle Collins in the first round. 

For me, also just being a more creative person, you have to see things differently and you have to dream big to achieve those dreams. I kind of like my delusions, they’re cool.
Continuing further, she added

Collins is an Australian Open finalist and has also been in the top 10. A bigger challenge awaits Osaka if she manages to survive in the first round. The Japanese might meet Elena Rybakina. It is to be seen how Osaka fares at this tournament.

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