‘Everyone Had to Start Somewhere’: Naomi Osaka’s Words of Inspiration Towards a Fan

Naomi Osaka may be only 24 years old, but she is already a role model for many. The Japanese tennis sensation had a breakthrough year in 2018 when she won her first WTA title. She defeated Russia’s Daria Kasatkina in straight sets to lift the BNP Paribas Open title as a 20-year-old.

Moreover, in the same year, she played the match of her life to defeat Serena Williams in the final of the US Open. With that win, she started her period of domination on the WTA Tour.

However, Osaka has had an underwhelming start to the 2022 season. The 24-year-old was shocked by Amanda Anisimova in the third round of the Australian Open. Additionally, her ranking has dropped to 85th in the world as she lost the points from her 2021 triumph at the Slam. Recently, however, Naomi was motivating one of her fans on Instagram to take up tennis.

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Naomi Osaka motivates a fan to take up tennis

After the Australian Open exit, the 4-time Grand Slam champion returned to the USA, her place of residence. She took time for her fans to engage in a question-and-answer session on her official Instagram handle. A fan said, “You have made me very interested in tennis but I’m too old to start playing.”

Naomi replied, “You’re never too old to do something you’re interested in. Also, if you’re nervous that people will judge you, I promise everyone had to start somewhere. If you know you’ll have a good time, that’s all that matters.”

Osaka would be eager to put her Australian Open disappointment behind her as she prepares for the coming tournaments. She will next be seen in action at the BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells. Can the Japanese star lift a Grand Slam title this season? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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