For the first time since 2019, Naomi Osaka is a wildcard entrant at a tournament. Currently ranked No. 80 in the world, she is all set to take up the challenge at Indian Wells Masters. In a recent interview, former star Lindsay Davenport elaborates on how she feels Osaka’s slump is over and she is all set to win titles once again.

“That’s the reality of her situation. She will not be unseeded for a long time. She will make her way back up. She’s way too good of a player,” Davenport added. Osaka has been infrequent on the tour majority of last year as she was focusing on her mental wellbeing.

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Davenport thinks Naomi Osaka is too good to be counted out

Naomi Osaka had previously won the Indian Wells Masters in 2018 as a 20-year-old. But four years and four Grand Slam titles later, she joins Sofia Kenin and Andy Murray as a wildcard entrant. According to Davenport, this does not mean a lot as the Japanese star’s hard-hitting baseline game, and powerful serve is enough to overpower even the most-skilled player.

“Anytime you’ve won a tournament before, you never want to count that player out,” added the legendary American player.

While Osaka seemed a little disillusioned with the world of tennis a while back, she seems to be back on track now, playing tournaments, putting in hours of practice and ensuring that she is returning as the formidable opponent everyone is used to facing.

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“I know from her team, she’s very happy again. She’s practicing. She’s very motivated. When you see those kinds of signs from Osaka, you know you’ve got to be ready. There’s always a couple of players that the players who are seeded are like, ‘Please do not be in my little section!’ And Naomi of course would be pretty high on that list,” Davenport reiterated.

Osaka was recently spotted practicing with Nick Kyrgios, whose style of play and serve is something she reportedly finds inspiring.

Also read: ‘Analyzing My Serve’ – Nick Kyrgios Finds a New Coach in Naomi Osaka as the Duo Train Together in LA