World No. 3 Naomi Osaka is in Melbourne, competing at the Australian Open 2021. The Japanese starlet has sailed through the initial barriers of the tournament and is looking sharp as the tournament enters its business end. After registering a win in the quarterfinals today, Osaka booked a spot in the semifinal. 

In the quarterfinal match today, Naomi beat Chinese Taipei’s Hsieh Su-wei, who looked threatening during the event. However, Osaka brought her ‘A’ game to the table and demolished the 35-year-old player in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, in a match that lasted a little over an hour. 

Naomi Osaka: “Grew Up Watching Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal

After her match today, the Japanese star made a noteworthy revelation. She said when she was younger, she would watch matches of Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.

Elaborating on it, she stated, “I grew up watching Serena, Federer, and Nadal. It’s just more of a habit than anything. I feel like everyone in the tournament watches her like whenever I go to the locker room, there are always people just lounging around and stuff.”

Watching these great legends play is something that most of the youngsters have spent time doing over the years. There is so much to learn from these players, the manner in which they carry themselves on the court and off it is admirable. 

Coming back to tennis and the Australian Open, Serena Williams and Simona Halep will play their quarterfinal match later today. Naomi is awaiting the winner of that match. 

In the men’s draw, 20-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal will take on Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas in his quarterfinal match tomorrow.

ALSO READ- “I Always Watch Serena’s Matches”: Naomi Osaka Reflects on Her Semifinals Draw at Australian Open 2021