Naomi Osaka Reveals She Was ‘Really Nervous’ Before Heading for Australian Open 2021
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Tennis – A Day at the Drive Exhibition – Memorial Drive Tennis Club, Adelaide, Australia – January 29, 2021 Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action during her match against Serena Williams of the U.S. at A Day at The Drive REUTERS/Morgan Sette
Three-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka is one of the fastest-growing players on the women’s Tour. Her accomplishments on and off the tennis court are noteworthy. The Japanese starlet is currently in Australia, taking part in the WTA 500 Gippsland Trophy.
Naomi played her first competitive match of the season and registered a comfortable victory over French tennis player Alize Cornet, winning the match 6-2 6-2 and moving into the next round. The match lasted a little over an hour and post that the Japanese tennis sensation reflected on the matchup.
Naomi Osaka says she last played in the final at New York
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Osaka felt the nerves coming into this event because the last competitive match she played was in the US Open final last year. She also indicated that she would like to continue the momentum of the previous season into the current one. The 2020 US Open winner stated, “I was really nervous coming here. The last match I played was the finals in New York, and I really wanted to continue that momentum. It’s a new year but hopefully, I’ll keep playing better.”
via Getty
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 07: Naomi Osaka of Japan plays a backhand in her match against Maria Sakkari of Greece during day two of the 2020 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 07, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
The 23-year-old player spoke about having crowds at tennis events after a lengthy break due to the pandemic. She also complimented the Australian crowd for the support she receives from them. Naomi said, “I always feel really nice here in Australia. I feel like everyone really welcomes me, and I’m really glad that you guys opened your arms so we’re able to play here.”
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Prior to this event, the World No. 3 was seen at the exhibition event ‘A Day at the Drive’ held in Adelaide. Players like Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal were part of that event too.
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After the WTA event, Osaka will feature at the Australian Open 2021 in Melbourne Park. The Japanese player previously won the Australian Open in 2019 and will look to garner encouragement from the crowd for her 2021 run at the event.
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