Naomi Osaka has by no means been shy about her aspirations to return to the highest of the game that she as soon as dominated. The four-time main champion, who defeated Lina Glushko 6-4, 6-4 in her first match of the season on Monday in Auckland, says she gained’t settle for something however the very best from herself as she commences her second season after coming back from maternity depart in 2024.
“I don’t suppose I’m the kind of participant that might cling round,” 27-year-old Osaka advised reporters, in keeping with the AP, forward of her look on the ASB Basic. “I’ve quite a lot of respect for all of the gamers on tour, however the level of my life that I’m at proper now, if I’m not above a sure rating, I don’t see myself enjoying for some time.
“I’d quite spend time with my daughter if I’m not the place I believe I must be and the place I really feel like I will be.”
Osaka rose within the rankings in 2024, from outdoors the Prime 800 to her present perch at 57, and feels just like the season was a great step in the appropriate course, even when she didn’t obtain the kind of success she is used to.
The ability from Osaka 💪@naomiosaka | #ASBClassic25 pic.twitter.com/ql0RlUlQpw
— wta (@WTA) December 30, 2024
“I believe 2024 humbled me, however I additionally really feel like I grew so much,” she mentioned. “I labored method more durable than I’ve ever labored earlier than. So in that, I assume it was very painful to not get the outcomes I needed, however I really feel like I’m rising and studying and I’m actually excited for this 12 months.”
Seventh-seeded Osaka will face Austria’s Julia Grabher in second-round motion at Auckland. Osaka fired seven aces and gained 77 p.c of her first serve factors to earn her victory in 85 minutes.
