Naomi Osaka Reveals Her ‘Favorite Thing’ at the Australian Open, and It Doesn’t Include Her 2019 and 2021 Triumphs

One of the four most prestigious tennis events is the Australian Open, and winning it is a significant accomplishment for any player. And Naomi Osaka has won the major title in Melbourne twice, in 2019 and 2021, with a wide array of stellar shots and technique on the court. However, more than the accolade, it is something else that the Japanese tennis player regards as her ‘favorite’ about the first Grand Slam of the season.

After giving birth to her daughter in 2023, the WTA superstar is finally back to some on-court action on the tour. Speaking about her past campaign in Melbourne ahead of the major tournament, Naomi Osaka recently brought to light her ‘favorite thing’ at the Australian Open.

Naomi Osaka makes a ‘cliché’ confession ahead of the Australian Open

In an interview with Vogue, the 4-time singles Grand Slam champion talked about her Grand Slam return in Melbourne. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka opened up about how she has been a fan favorite at the Australian Open, as she also regards the crowd’s support as her favorite thing at the tournament.

“It sounds cliché, but my favorite thing at this tournament is definitely the fans,” the champion in 2019 and 2021 in Melbourne said. As she brought to light her favorite thing about the event, Osaka also talked about the warm welcome she has always received, even before her first major triumph in Melbourne.

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She added, “I’ve always had such a warm welcome here, even before I had won it.” The former world No. 1 player looks all excited and geared up to play in front of these fans at the Australian Open. However, Naomi Osaka’s opening-round fixtures won’t be an easy assignment, as some big challenges await her.

Who will Osaka face in her comeback match at the Australian Open?

The Japanese player is in the same quarter of the draw as some of the high-caliber players on the women’s tour. As an unseeded player, Osaka will start her campaign in Melbourne by locking horns with the former world No. 4 French player, Caroline Garcia.

Even if she manages to overcome Caroline Garcia, Naomi Osaka will then be up against the likes of Saville/Frech and Potapova/Putintseva in the latter stages of the tournament. Furthermore, there can be a possible blockbuster matchup between Coco Gauff and her Japanese colleague if both Grand Slam winners manage to win their third-round match in Australia.

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Do you think there will be a high-profile match between Gauff and Osaka? Let us know in the comment section.