After winning her maiden grand slam title at the US Open, Naomi Osaka is targeting another trophy at a tournament close to her heart.
The Japanese player will return to action this week at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. Osaka’s presence is expected to attract a surge in spectators to the WTA Premier event. In the aftermath of her win over Serena Williams in New York, Osaka made the front page of virtually all of the Japanese newspapers. She has recently secured a three-year deal with Nissan and is reportedly on course for a multi-million pound signing with Adidas in the near future.
“I’ve never had like — oh my God it’s so bright — so many people coming to a press conference before so for sure it’s sinking in now,” Osaka commented about her surge in fame at a press conference in Yokohama last week.
It was in Tokyo where Osaka first achieved her major breakthrough on the WTA Tour. In 2016, she exceeded expectations by reaching the final as a wild card entrant. On route, she scored wins over Dominika Cibulkova and Elina Svitolina. She was denied the title by Caroline Wozniacki, who will be the top seed in this year’s tournament.
Reflecting on her breakout run, the 20-year-old is eager to go one step further this time round. Pointing out that she is more experienced and more confident. She is currently placed seventh in the world rankings.
“I’ve played a lot more matches between then and now,” Osaka told reporters on Monday.
“I’m a little bit more mature now so of course having that experience helps — and being more confident in yourself too,” she added.
“I’ve played here for many years and got to the final once, so this tournament is very special to me.”
Tears of nerves
Osaka’s US Open triumph is one that will be remembered for many years to come, but not for all the right reasons. During what was a tense final, Williams clashed with the umpire and received a total of three warnings which resulted in her getting a game penalty. The former world No.1 has since argued that she was being unfairly treated due to her gender. Sparking a major debate in the sport.
During the trophy ceremony, some members of the crowd were booing as Osaka was seen crying. Some would assume that she was upset due to the hostile environment, but Osaka maintains it was just nerves on her part.
“I’m grateful that people care or sympathise but I don’t really think there was anything to be sad about,” she explained.
“I don’t feel like I would’ve liked to savour the moment more — I think I do things my own way and everyone is different in their own way so I don’t really have any regrets.”
The world No.7 refuses to blame Williams for her behaviour. Who called umpire Carlo Ramos a ‘thief’ after disputing a warning she received for coaching. Saying that ‘there was a lot of emotion’ involved in the match. Williams was trying to tie Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam titles.
At the Toray Pan Pacific Open, Osaka has a bye in the first round. She will open up her campaign against either Cibulkova or Nao Hibino.
