US Open champion Naomi Osaka has insisted that she is relishing that chance to live up to expectations during the Australian swing of the new season.
The 21-year-old has established herself as a rising star of the women’s tour following what has been a breakthrough year. Rising from 72nd to a ranking best of fourth in the world back in October. Becoming the highest ranked Japanese player of all time alongside Kei Nishikori and Kimiko Date. Osaka’s rise has seen her win titles in Indian Wells before she became the first player from her country to win a grand slam trophy in the Open Era.
“I never feel pressure to perform. I enjoy Grand Slams the most,” Osaka told reporters on Thursday.
“I always feel there is a certain degree of pressure but it’s from myself.”
Osaka’s most memorable win of 2018 was against Serena Williams in what was a dramatic final at Flushing Meadows. The world No.5 cruised to a straight sets victory as her opponent engaged in a heated argument with umpire Carlos Ramos. Williams was issued with a total of three warnings during their match and later fined $17,000 for her conduct.
“I definitely accomplished a lot of things that I wanted ever since I was growing up.” Osaka reflected.
“Hopefully, I can do better this year. I will see how it goes.”
The first tournament of the new season for Osaka will be the Brisbane International. A WTA Premier event that is set to feature seven top 10 players. She will be seeded second in the draw behind Elina Svitolina. It will be Osaka’s second appearance at the tournament and first since 2016.
“For me, I really love coming to Australia every time and I always seem to do well here so I would like to do well in the first tournament (in Brisbane),” she said.
Leading up to her return to the tour, Osaka had the opportunity to train with former world No.1 Andy Murray earlier this week. Who later took to Instagram to praise the Japanese player for her performance on the court.
“I think you missed about 2 balls in 30 minutes…and also for the advice on Japanese.” Murray wrote.
The main draw of the Brisbane International will get underway on Monday.
https://twitter.com/ITF_Tennis/status/1078291138585522176
