Coach Sascha Bajin believes Naomi Osaka has the upper hand in her upcoming match against Petra Kvitova at the Australian Open on Saturday.
Osaka will take on the Czech for the chance to win her second consecutive grand slam title at the age of 21. Also up for grabs will be the world No.1 ranking. Should she claim the top spot, Osaka would be the first Japanese player – man or woman – in the history of the sport to do so. An impressive achievement for a player who had a ranking of 72 a year ago.
“I kind of want her to approach the match like she approached (Karolina) Pliskova. She’s also a big server. Just kind of like the opposite, because she’s a lefty.” Bajin commented of the tactics he advises Osaka to use.
“Both of them are very dangerous off the first two, three shots, but I believe once the rally keeps going, Naomi with her current state of mind and physique has the upper hand.”
Since her US Open breakthrough, where she defeated Serena Williams in the final, Osaka has managed to remain consistent on the tour. She has now reached the semi-finals or better at five out of her past six tournaments. Showing no signs of succumbing to the pressure that other young players have done in the past. She is the first active player on the WTA Tour (after Venus Williams in 2000) to win her maiden grand slam title and then reach the final of the next.
“She really wants it. People say they want it, but she really wants it.” Bajin stated. “We had an unbelievable great season last year, but after having just two weeks’ break, she came back and showed up and really worked her butt off.”
“She’s a hard worker, and she wants to be, and that’s why she’s here.”
Bajin has established himself as a formidable force behind the scenes on the WTA Tour. In the past, he has been the hitting partner for players such as Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams. Then in 2017 he joined forces with Osaka in what has been blossoming partnership. Last year he was the recipient of the inaugural WTA Coach of the Year.
During their time together, Bajin’s main focus has been on telling the Japanese player that power isn’t everything in the game. At the Australian Open, Osaka has hit 50 aces, which is more than any other player in the women’s draw. Her fastest serve was 191 KM/H. The joint-fifth fastest in the tournament alongside Serena Williams.
“From the very beginning, she was a big hitter. I didn’t have to teach her how to hit the ball or anything.” Said Bajin. “Maybe it was a little bit more like telling her there are other things out there than just hitting very hard. We worked on her angles. We worked on just a little bit more of everything. Slicing. Wanting her to come in a little bit more. Just a little bit of everything.”
“This is one of the biggest assets in her game, I believe. If a power hitter like that can move like someone who is defensive, the opponent’s going to have to play really well.” He added.
Should Osaka win the Australian Open, she would become the youngest world No.1 since Caroline Wozniacki back in 2010.
