At last, things are looking a tad more positive for Naomi Osaka! In hopes of brushing aside her Paris Olympics disappointment, where she faced a rather early exit, the Japanese star is trying to make reparations. Not only is Osaka trying to level with the Tour’s competitiveness, but she is also visibly inculcating some major changes to her game, witnessed in action in Montreal.

Osaka has successfully commenced her Canadian Open campaign. In the hardcourt event’s opener, she locked horns with Ons Jabeur. To much amazement, the Japanese surfed over Jabeur’s challenge with ease, concluding the duel in straight sets 6-3, 6-1. In a post-match presser following her triumph, the Japanese talent leaned into the details of the latest amends she has made to her on-court approach.

While talking to the reporters, the former World No. 1 highlighted that she acknowledges the changing pace of the sport. This has prompted her to script takeaways from players like Iga Swiatek, who is currently in her prime. Further, Osaka also revealed incorporating the Pole’s swift footwork, which she previously opined as “the best” on the circuit. “Tennis is evolving and everyone gets better. I wanted to watch the players and learn from them, was telling you guys last time, I’m trying to do the squeaky feet like Iga. I think I did it quite well today, so thankfully that’s working out.”

The Polish star regularly practices a feet shuffle technique, leading to a squeaky sound on the synthetic hard courts. Her footwork is immaculate, which has helped her earn more than 10 titles on the hard court. She looks to add more as she will return in the American hard court swing in the Cinncinati Masters.

Osaka made a comeback to the sport earlier this season after going on a pregnancy hiatus. As she continues to strive for better results in her return, As she looks to recreate the feats of the current world number 1, she remembers those who inspired her to play and aims to become like them one day.

Naomi Osaka pores into being “role model” to kids as a mother

Osaka came back to the WTA Tour as a brand new woman. Being a mother has altered her perceptions of the sport and life. She has a newfound love for the sport and aims to become a more prominent figure on the Tour. In the same post-match interview, a more self-analytical Osaka delved into the importance of being a “role model” to the younger generation.

The Japanese star also credited her childhood idols Serena Williams and Venus Williams in hopes of signifying the importance of being a patron to children. “I think for me, representation is really important. I’ve thought that way since I was younger. I wouldn’t be here without my role models, Serena and Venus. Just to, blaze that path for other kids is really cool.”

Osaka will look to continue her form in the second round of the WTA 1000 masters event. She will square off against Elise Mertens on Friday, August 8, to book a place in the tournament’s R16. If all goes according to plan, the 26-year-old might end her title drought and furnish a new beginning to her career!