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 getting back from maternity go away in 2024.
“I don’t suppose I’m the kind of participant that will cling round,” 27-year-old Osaka informed reporters, in response to the AP, forward of her look on the ASB Traditional. “I’ve numerous 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 fairly spend time with my daughter if I’m not the place I feel I needs to be and the place I really feel like I might be.”
Osaka rose within the rankings in 2024, from outdoors the High 800 to her present perch at 57, and feels just like the season was a very good step in the precise path, 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 feel 2024 humbled me, however I additionally really feel like I grew rather a lot,” 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 yr.”
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.
