It has been a turbulent time for Naomi Osaka of late. Coming back from a lengthy break after giving birth to her first child, the Japanese star is struggling to rise to the top again. At the beginning of this season, Osaka struggled to maintain form, making early exits from tournaments. However, she found a glimmer of hope at the recently concluded Qatar Open. Following this, American tennis legend, Andy Roddick, made a serious comment about Osaka.

The former World Number 1 reached the quarterfinal of the WTA 1000 Qatar Open. En route to her run in Doha, she defeated some top players like Caroline Garcia. Here’s what Roddick had to say about her career trajectory.

Andy Roddick makes a saddening revelation about Naomi Osaka

Despite Osaka’s four Grand Slam titles, her achievements are often downplayed. And Roddick was quick to spot that as he revealed the reason why Osaka’s legacy is taken for granted in the tennis world.

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Served With Andy Roddick heard him mention, “If she could’ve just picked up right after the leave of absence, had you won the Australian Open for the third time, it would have been a great triumph.”

Further, talking about her Qatar Open run, Roddick mentioned, “I think if you had to script it as far as the rest of the year, I think it was actually a big result that I don’t, I don’t want to undersell just because kind of we take her greatness for granted and what it was but I think I think she’s on – if I’m her team I’m thrilled with where she’s at 100%.”

Despite this, Osaka has big plans for the ongoing season. She is unconcerned with the spotlight on her during her comeback and just wants to take it one match at a time.

Osaka’s goals for the 2024 season

The Japanese tennis star was out of action for more than a year owing to her pregnancy. As a result, the comeback was always going to be tough for her. Nonetheless, she remained positive while outlining her goals for this season.

Osaka revealed, “I think I’ve just missed the competition. I’m a very competitive person, so it’s been really cool to see so many players doing really well, and so many like new faces. And I think what I wish to accomplish a lot when I get back on the court, so hopefully, I do well on grass and clay next year.”

Following her exploits in Doha, Osaka pulled out of the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships. She will aim to make a winning return with the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami coming up next month.

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