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Naomi Osaka of Japan looks frustrated after losing a point in her semi final match against Karolina Pliskova of The Czech Republic during day six of the 2020 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 11, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
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Naomi Osaka of Japan looks frustrated after losing a point in her semi final match against Karolina Pliskova of The Czech Republic during day six of the 2020 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 11, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The internet has unlocked the world of information but it has opened many wrong doors too. Today, well-known faces of any kind inevitably have to go through negative comments on social media. Tennis’ World No. 3 Naomi Osaka, who used to get affected by these comments, has opened up about her experience with hate.
Osaka rose to popularity quickly through her 3 Grand Slam titles and her vibrant off the court personality. Becoming World No. 1 in 2019, Naomi is already considered one of the best in the sport at 23. But as she gained a tremendous fan following, she also saw the ill side of the internet.
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“Must operate at a completely different mindset”: Naomi
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12: Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates winning match point during her Women’s Singles final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Day Thirteen of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 12, 2020, in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
With her sheer power and breath-taking stamina, Osaka has surpassed many greats in the early stage of her career. In 2018, she defeated the 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams to win her maiden major tournament title at the US Open.
Following New York, the Japanese claimed the second in line major tournament, the 2019 Australian Open, beating 2-time Grand Slam winner Petra Kvitova.
Besides tennis, the 23 years-old has impressed many with her fearless disposition in the outside world. With her new stance against the hate comments, the Japanese will inspire many facing the same situation.
In tennis, the extent of pressure to play at the highest level consistently is massive. Fortunately, by disregarding the haters, Osaka has unchained the unwanted bag of pressure off her back.
I used to be really upset at hate comments, but I realized you must operate at a completely different mindset to come on the internet and be negative about someone you (probably) never met. I’m glad I can’t understand where you’re coming from. 😷 Keep that all the way over there.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) December 20, 2020
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Naomi Osaka looking for her 4 Grand Slam in Australia
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 26: Naomi Osaka of Japan with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup following victory in her Women’s Singles Final match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Between her second and third major title, the Japanese failed to perform at her best. As a result, she lost her top rank and now aims to regain it. Hence, it won’t be a cakewalk for Osaka as all top players are preparing to claim the title in Australia.
Interestingly, Serena is waiting for her 24th Grand Slam to equal Margaret Court’s all-time major titles record. And therefore, she will be a tough competition to get past.
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Will Naomi regain the top rank in 2021?
ALSO READ- Naomi Osaka Reveals How She Spent the Pandemic Break
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