Serena Williams’ Childhood Mentor Issues Explosive Naomi Osaka Warning to Her WTA Rivals Ahead of Her Comeback in Brisbane

2024 is a year which will not only see the rise of some upcoming tennis stars but will also witness the return of some veterans to the sport. Legends like Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka, after being out of the court for almost a year, will make a comeback to tennis. While their return is on the cards, many experts have lined done their own opinions.

One expert to join the discussion was Serena Williams‘ childhood coach Rick Macci. In a recent tweet, Macci came forward and made a bold prediction while suggesting how Naomi Osaka’s 2024 season could progress. With high hopes for the Japanese star, the former coach had nothing but admiration for her.

Rick Macci’s take on “explosive” Naomi Osaka

Rick Macci was impressed by Naomi Osaka’s strength in Padel. He sees her abilities in this sport as a catalyst for her rise in the tennis rankings for the upcoming season. Highlighting these Macci wrote on X, “@NaomiOsaka will cause damage RIGHT OUT OF THE BLOCKS because she knows How To Battle with that explosive Padel. 2024 Osaka knocking on the Top Ten Door.”

However, this is not the first time that Macci has praised Naomi Osaka. In multiple interviews, the American coach has come ahead and talked about the dominance that he expects Osaka can showcase in the upcoming year.

Can Osaka live up to Macci’s praise?

In an interview that dates a few months back, Macci came ahead and suggested that Naomi Osaka could get to the top 10 next year. He further added that once she makes her return to the court and feels the pain whenever she bows out of any tournament, she will have the will to come back stronger and make an impact in the next one.

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“Was asked again if I still think Naomi Osaka can be top ten by the end of the year. 100%. Once she gets back into the battle and feels the Pain of losing in the Beginning the 4time Grand Slam Champ will dig deep in that treasure trove of Confidence and do Major league Winning,” Macci said. While her fans would look to witness the same dominance that Naomi once displayed on the tennis courts, it will be exciting to see how things actually unfold.

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