Exactly 12 months ago Naomi Osaka was yet to crack the world’s top 40 or win a WTA title. Now she is a two-time grand slam winner, reigning Indian Wells champion and the first Asian player in history to become world No.1. It has been a sensational 12 months for the powerful hitting 21-year-old, but there continues to be the inevitable setbacks.
On Tuesday Osaka took to the court of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Taking on Kristina Mladenovic in what was her first competitive match as world No.1, she crashed out 6-3, 6-3. Winning only 35% of her service points and making 25 unforced errors. According to data from the ITF, she is the first player to lose their opening match after rising to the top of the WTA rankings.
“I haven’t been practising well recently. I just thought, like, it would go away during the matches. I was kind of counting on that. That didn’t happen, so…” Osaka reflected during her press conference.
“My rhythm was kind of off. But there’s been times where it’s been worse than now, and I managed to play well in matches. Yeah, when I say I haven’t been practicing well, just like rhythm. I don’t know, I feel like I’m not doing enough or something.”
Osaka has never been the kind of player that loves the media limelight. Her shy and introverted personality is one that has won over the hearts of many fans. However, In recent months Osaka has become a household name. Appearing on the front of numerous newspapers in Japan, signing multi-million dollar sponsorship deals, staring in advertising campaigns and earning numerous accolades. Her most recent achievement was at the Laureus Awards, where she was named breakthrough of the year.
With her rise in fame, Osaka also faces more scrutiny in her decisions. Something she was reminded of last week when she ended her collaboration with coach Sascha Bajin. Bajin won the WTA Coach of the Year away in 2018 for his work with Osaka.
“I don’t think I necessarily understand what position I’m in, in a way, because last year I wasn’t even anywhere close to this ranking. People didn’t pay attention to me. That’s something that I’m comfortable with,” said a tearful Osaka.
“I don’t know why I’m crying. Yeah. I don’t know why this is happening.”
“I don’t really like attention. It’s been a little tough.” She added.
The highs and lows
Despite her successes on the court, it has not immune the Australian Open champion from online trolls. Shortly after her loss to Mladenovic, Osaka received a series of abusive messages on social media. In her Instagram story, she wrote that she was ‘used to’ getting insulting comments online.
Like other players in the past, Osaka is not afraid to admit that her position as the best ranked player in the world is daunting, both mentally and physically. Although she has bounced back from nightmare matches before. Earlier this year, she said she, ‘had the worst attitude’ during her loss at the Brisbane International, before going on to win the Australian Open title. She also lost in the first round of two consecutive tournaments heading into the US Open, where she claimed her maiden major title.
“I mean, the Australian Open was not even a month ago. This was just one match. I feel like even if I don’t win any matches for the rest of the year, I wouldn’t say I’m concerned. I think I’m pretty young. I still feel like I have a lot to learn.” She said.
“For me, that’s sort of my biggest thing after this match. I think I play well after I lose a sort of bad match. I’m just looking forward to the next tournament.”
Despite her setback on the court, Osaka maintains her world No.1 ranking heading into the BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells). She is hoping her latest loss will make her stronger as a player.
“For sure there’s no one that really thinks losing is fun. But for me, I’ve always been taught that when you lose, you learn more than when you win. I try to take that as really important advice because I think it is true.” wtatennis.com quoted Osaka as saying during her interview with Japanese media.
Osaka is currently down, but is certainly not out.
