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 received’t settle for something however the most effective from herself as she commences her second season after getting back from maternity depart in 2024.
“I don’t suppose I’m the kind of participant that might grasp round,” 27-year-old Osaka informed reporters, in response to 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 taking part in for some time.
“I’d slightly spend time with my daughter if I’m not the place I feel I must be and the place I really feel like I may be.”
Osaka rose within the rankings in 2024, from exterior the High 800 to her present perch at 57, and feels just like the season was an excellent step in the proper path, even when she didn’t obtain the kind of success she is used to.
The facility from Osaka 💪@naomiosaka | #ASBClassic25 pic.twitter.com/ql0RlUlQpw
— wta (@WTA) December 30, 2024
“I feel 2024 humbled me, however I additionally really feel like I grew loads,” she mentioned. “I labored method tougher than I’ve ever labored earlier than. So in that, I suppose it was very painful to not get the outcomes I wished, 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 received 77 % of her first serve factors to earn her victory in 85 minutes.
