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Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates in her Women’s Semi Final match against Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates in her Women’s Semi Final match against Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic during day 11 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
The memories of Naomi Osaka lifting the US Open 2020 are still fresh in the minds of the fans. It not only helped the Japanese earn international respect but also made her a superstar overnight.
Recently, her trainer Yutaka Nakamura revealed that the victory also brought her to the center stage. He explained it with the help of an example.
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“One morning in mid-November, Naomi told me she had a surprise. And, asked me if I wanted to know what it was. I wanted to be surprised. So, I declined.
“During practice, Washington Wizards basketball player Rui Hachimura appeared on the tennis court and played with Naomi for about 30 minutes,” said the trainer.
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Naomi Osaka of Japan with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup following victory in her Women’s Singles Final match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Fans are quite aware of Osaka’s shy and timid nature off-the-court. Thus, Nakamura was definitely shocked to see Osaka practicing with any other player.
“Hachimura explained that he was also training around Los Angeles while waiting for the National Basketball Association (NBA) season to start on Dec. 22.
“When I see Naomi interacting with other athletes, I think it reminds her that she returned to the center stage by winning the U.S. Open again, and that gives her confidence,” added Nakamura.
Trainer believes Naomi Osaka has become a hero
Nakamura further emphasized that earlier Osaka used to admire people but now she herself has become a source of inspiration for others.
“Before, Naomi was looking up to athletes and those who she considered heroes. But now she has become one herself,” continued a cheerful Nakamura.
He believed that she had learned to speak on important matters as well. This was a desirable change that Nakamura noticed in Osaka’s personality.
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Naomi Osaka of Japan returns the ball during her Women’s Singles finals match against Serena Williams of the United States on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2018, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
“I think she has noticed how important it is for her to speak up after realizing that those people played a big part in her life. That she exists because there were people in the past who had an impact on her,” concluded Osaka’s trainer.
There has definitely been a transition in Osaka’s personality after the US Open 2020. She has developed this habit of interacting with other players and athletes. It was something she was working on for a long time.
After having an incredible 2020 season, Osaka will begin her upcoming season at the Australian Open 2021. Nakamura will definitely try to help her earn more glory in 2021.
ALSO READ- Trainer reveals how Naomi Osaka won the US Open 2020
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