During the 2017-2021 season, there was hardly anyone who had quite an impact on the sport just like Naomi Osaka did. The Japanese sensation was known to have taken the tennis world by storm back then. Not only this, she also developed some great rivalry with fellow players. However, that was only restricted to the tennis courts.

Currently out of the tennis courts after giving birth to her baby, Naomi Osaka opened up about the one person that she misses the most. While the player announced her retirement from the sport, Osaka hopes she can come out of that to play someday.

Naomi Osaka reflects on whom she misses the most

In a recent interview, Naomi Osaka revealed her heartfelt feelings. Talking about the person that she missed the most, she expressed a genuine miss for her rival cum friend, Ashleigh Barty. Despite Barty having stepped away from the game, Osaka considers her a formidable opponent and cherishes the rivalry that the two players shared in the game.

“Honestly, there is someone I miss, but she stopped playing. But she’s the person I consider my rival, Barty. She’s Australian. So I’m hoping maybe she comes back too,” said Osaka about whom she misses the most.

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Further in her statements, she also suggested that she is hoping that Barty could also make a comeback just like she is making. Interestingly, Barty announced her retirement from the sport back in 2022. Thus, despite being great rivals on the court, she had immense respect for her opponent. Further in the interview, she goes ahead to talk about her future goals and shares what she has in mind for 2024.

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Osaka reflects on her goals for the upcoming year

In the same interview, Naomi Osaka sheds light on her time away from tennis, expressing what she’s missed most during her time away from the court. She talked about the emergence of upcoming talents and how competitive she is when it comes to the tennis courts.

“I think I’ve just missed the competition. I’m a very competitive person, so it’s been really cool to see so many players doing really well, and so many like new faces. And I think what I wish to accomplish a lot when I get back on court, so hopefully, I do well on grass and clay next year,” said Osaka in the interview.

Talking about her return to the tennis courts, she suggested that she is confident enough to land success on either grass or clay season next year. This news has filled her fans with a lot of anticipation as they now eagerly await the return of the tennis giant.

Watch this story: ‘I Really Love…’ – Naomi Osaka Points to the Ancient Technique She Relies on for Keeping Calm 2 Years After Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas Vouched for It