The tennis world is eagerly waiting to watch Naomi Osaka on the big stage once again! While she knows that the competition has risen and things have changed, she herself has made major choices in terms of practicing to get back to her old form. Recently, the Japanese tennis player opened up about feeling embarrassed over her form while praising her rival’s exemplary tennis skills.
Who can make the four-time Grand Slam champion doubt her own skills? As it turns out, it is none other than the Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur.
Naomi Osaka shares her ‘super happy’ feeling after practicing with fellow WTA stars
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While the Japanese star was getting ready to make a comeback at the Australian Open comeback, she had various practice sessions with other WTA players, including Ons Jabeur, Amanda Anisimova, and Karolína Plíšková. Recently, in a press conference ahead of the Australian Open, Osaka praised her WTA opponents and also shared her feelings about standing against the Tunisian tennis player.
She said, “I’ve hit with Amanda here. You know how she is. We were kind of trading returns and serves. Ons, of course, makes me feel embarrassed because of the shots she can play. I’m like, Wow, I wish I could do all those things (smiling). Yeah, it was really fun to hit against them. Super happy they let me hit with them, too.”
Along with that, Osaka also highlighted how playing in Brisbane was a good test for her in terms of the level of competition after her return. Further, she also displayed confidence in herself and highlighted how having amazing hitting sessions with other WTA stars was a great learning experience for her.
Not only did Osaka openly share her wish to have tennis skills like Ons Jabeur, but she was also stunned by her efforts on the court. However, this doesn’t mean that Osaka is feeling any less positive because just a few days ago, she also confidently talked about the possibility of her upcoming Grand Slam victory.
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Osaka on her Grand Slam victory chances
In a candid interview, Osaka dwelled on whether there’s a possibility of her winning a Grand Slam this year or not. She said, “I don’t want to put pressure on myself, but I do think I can win a slam this year. It’s a long season and I’ve beefed up my schedule with more tournaments to give myself more match play.”
While the competition has risen on the court, many fans are eager to see Naomi Osaka claim a Grand Slam title this year. However, it still remains to be seen how she performs at the first Grand Slam of the year.
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Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Naomi Osaka’s feeling of embarrassment? Will this affect her performance when she faces off against Jabeur in a major tournament? Do let us know in the comment section below.
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