“Will Continue to Grow”: Naomi Osaka Inspired by Iga Swiatek’s French Open Triumph

Three-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka continues to grab headlines on the women’s Tour. The Japanese starlet was last seen at the exhibition event ‘A Day at the Drive’ held in Adelaide. During the event, she was up against her idol, Serena Williams, who registered a win against the 23-year-old. 

Naomi is currently in Melbourne and is preparing for the WTA 500 Gippsland Trophy. During a press conference at the event, the Japanese star praised Iga Swiatek for her impeccable performance at Roland Garros last year. The Polish player won her maiden Grand Slam title as a 19-year-old teenager.

Naomi Osaka says it was amazing to see Iga Swiatek so focused

During the press conference, Naomi stated that she sought inspiration from the young teenager and said, “I was really inspired by Iga. It was really amazing how she was able to be super focused in all her matches. I was watching the finals. I thought it was really nice to watch because I ate dinner with her last year here.”

The 2020 US Open champion said that she had advised the young Pole not to think about college at the moment, as she is performing exceptionally well on the Tour. 

Osaka: Iga Swiatek Shouldn’t Divert Attention to College

World No. 3 Naomi Osaka, further stated, “She was talking about how she might go to college. I was telling her she’s really good, and I think she’s going to do really well. So maybe don’t try to divert your energy to college just yet. I’m glad she was able to win a grand slam so fast. Hopefully, she’ll, like, continue to grow, which I know she will.”

Also Read: Naomi Osaka Settles the Debate, Calls Serena Williams the Face of Women’s Tennis

Both players are in Melbourne and will be seen at the WTA 500 Gippsland Trophy. After that, they will be part of the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open 2021. In the previous year, Iga had made it up to the fourth round, whereas Naomi had lost in the third round of the Australian Open.