‘I Would Be Crying in the Locker Room’- Naomi Osaka Reveals Huge Shift in Mindset After a Spirited Miami Open Performance

Naomi Osaka started her sunshine double this year with a subpar performance in the Indian Wells. Although it took a sharp U-turn in Miami Open. Be it the will to prove an analytical pick wrong or the will to undo her weakened form, she showed her best tennis of this year in Miami.

The unseeded Japanese ace made a run to the finals, coping with all the heat and sweat by thrashing opponents like Kerber and Collins. However, she couldn’t claim the title as the current world no.1 defeated her 6-4, 6-0.

Naomi had achieved a lot in this tournament. She regained her form along with her ranking and dominated almost every player. Striving so hard and failing at the last stage is bound to leave a bad aftertaste. Though it isn’t the case with Naomi.

The former world no. 1 post her defeat in the finals against Iga Swiatek, spoke to the press, and said, “I guess what I learned about myself is like I guess I’m a good learner.”

READ MORE: ‘They Made Me Play Serena Williams’ – Naomi Osaka Remembers Her Tough First Match in Miami as Iga Swiatek Flourishes

“I also think Iga was quite different from all the players that I’ve played previously. It was a bit hard to adjust to what she was doing. But I think hopefully if I play her next time, it will be a much better match,” she added.

What Will Naomi Take Back From Miami?

With Miami, the hard court season has also marked its end for this year. Osaka has had better runs earlier as she has 4 hard court titles. Though it won’t be wrong to say that this season was also pretty successful for her. She portrayed one of the quickest and strongest comebacks. Further, she has so much to take back from the last game.

She spoke about her personal growth by saying, “I’m not as disappointed as I normally would be, like I think normally I would be crying in the locker room. But now I’m kind of like a chill. I feel like I know what I want to do better.” 

Naomi Osaka admitted that the match has given her some teachings that she would implement in her life. “A couple of days ago I was celebrating like being back in the top 50. So I guess just like not taking things like that for granted anymore. I want to keep pushing myself to become a better player and a better person. I think just being a bit more humble of the situations and the opportunities that I’m granted.”

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The 24-year-old former World no.1 has some outstanding records and now that she is back in form, her fans are optimistic about the upcoming tournaments. People are holding high hopes for her performance in the clay-court season. She would hope to continue this form and break into the top 10 once again.