“Slipped and Hurt My Knee” – Naomi Osaka Reveals Receiving Advice From Novak Djokovic to Tackle Scary Situations

In recent years, Naomi Osaka has become a huge force in tennis. The success enjoyed by her on the tennis courts and off it is unparalleled to any player. No other woman from the new lot of players has managed to achieve something similar to what the 23-year-old athlete has done. 

Recently, Naomi Osaka spoke about the advice she received from World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. She recalled an incident in which she slipped on the grass courts and felt a niggle in her knee. It gave her reason to panic, and she remembered the Serbian player’s incident in the past. After that, she consulted him as he too had fallen on the grass in a few instances.  

The four-time Grand Slam winner revealed, “I would say last year [2019] I was definitely very scared because I actually got injured once on grass because I slipped and I hurt my knee. So it definitely scared me a little bit. It’s a bit funny, I talked to Djokovic about it, because I wanted to ask him how he moved so well on grass and he said that even though he falls a lot, he keeps getting up and he keeps trying different things.

Also Read: “It’s Very, Very Hard” – Roger Federer Reflects on the Challenge of Staying on Top and Resetting Goals

“So I guess I’ll try that the next time I’m on grass.”

Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open 2021

Speaking of tennis this season, both Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic won the first Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne. They began the season on a high note. After that, both players have faired below their usual standards and have not won since their stint in Australia. 

Seeing the Japanese players’ performances on the clay courts, it is evident that clay is not her most preferred surface. Nonetheless, after winning four Majors, she has the experience and knows what it takes to win a Grand Slam title.

Both players will be seen at the French Open 2021, beginning on May 30. These two athletes have huge fan followings and it will be interesting to see how they perform in Paris.