Naomi Osaka Opens Up About The Downside Of Being World No.1 - UBITENNIS

Naomi Osaka Opens Up About The Downside Of Being World No.1

It isn’t always a good thing being the best ranked player in the world

By Adam Addicott
3 Min Read
Naomi Osaka at the 2019 US Open (photo Twitter @USOpen)

Two-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka said she became ‘too stats-oriented’ after becoming world No.1 earlier this year.

In January the 21-year-old became the first ever Asian player to claim the top position after winning the Australian Open. However, her time at the top was far from plain-sailing. In her first tournament as world No.1 she lost in the first round to Kristina Mladenovic and didn’t reach another semi-final on the tour until April. In the other three grand slams this season, Osaka failed to reach the quarter-finals at all of them.

“I honestly was counting the ranking points.” Osaka reflected about her time at the top.
“I was too stats-oriented after I won the Australian Open because there was this big thing about you’re No. 1 now.
“Then I felt like I shouldn’t lose a match after that.”

Osaka has spent 25 weeks as world No.1 so far in her career. A longer period than players such as Maria Sharapova (21 weeks), Kim Clijsters (20 weeks) and Ana Ivanovic (12 weeks).

The high expectations took its toll on the Japanese player during what has been a roller coaster season both on and off the court. She ended her collaboration with coach Sasha Bajin before joining forces with Jermaine Jenkins. She then split with Jenkins last months and is currently guided on the tour by her father.

“Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever feel the same way that I felt again right after Australia,” she commented about the pressure she placed on herself.
“There’s no way, no way that’s possible.”

Despite the blips, Osaka is currently on a 10-match winning streak. Her latest triumph took place on Sunday when she battled back from a set down to defeat Ash Barty to win the China Open title. Making it the first time she has won two WTA trophies within as many weeks. Osaka won the Japan Open just over a week ago.

“For me, I just do what I’ve been doing for, like, 21 years, which is playing tennis,” she explains. “That’s the main thing for me. That’s the thing that I’ve done every day of my life and what gives me most joy.”

Osaka’s win-loss for the season now stands at 39-11. She has already qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals in Shenzhen later this month.

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