Struggling to Find Post Pregnancy Form, Naomi Osaka Confesses About Looking Up to Elina Svitolina Ahead of Miami Open Clash

Naomi Osaka clinched yet another victory after making a comeback earlier this year after her maternity leave. She defeated Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto by 6-3,6-1 in the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday night. With this victory, she has now set up a blockbuster second-round clash against Elina Svitolina. Even the Ukrainian tennis star came back from her maternity leave almost less than a year ago. Svitolina has been in scintillating form ever since then, reaching the QF of the French Open and SF of Wimbledon last year.

The Japanese tennis star recently revealed how Elina Svitolina has turned out to be her inspiration during her pregnancy. She had watched Svitolina’s incredible run at the Wimbledon last year and now she feels it’s an honor for her to play against her.

“That’s where she belongs” – Naomi Osaka’s take on the comeback of Elina Svitlona in the Top 20s

Just before the mega clash against the Ukrainian, Naomi Osaka spoke about her admiration for Elina Svitlona for her incredible comeback. She said, “Yeah, definitely. I remember watching her playing Wimbledon while I was pregnant, and I remember thinking that I want to be there too one day.” Osaka went on to add,  “I think it’s, I don’t know, she’s always just been a really great player, so it’s not surprising to me she’s back in the top 20. It’s more like that’s where she belongs.”

On May 15, 2022, Elina Svitolina and her husband Gael Monfils revealed that they were expecting their first child. Then in October of that year, she gave birth to her daughter Skai. Svitolina finally made her comeback in the 2023 season. Her incredible performance that season saw her clinch the WTA’s Comeback Player of The Year Award for 2023. Naomi Osaka gave birth to her daughter Shai on 7 July 2023 and came back to competitive tennis earlier this season. And, here’s what she said about taking inspiration from Svitolina’s journey.

Currently, Elina Svitolina is placed at the 17th spot in the WTA singles rankings. While Naomi Osaka is placed at 229, can she make a comeback like Elina Svitolina this year? Well, Osaka came into the Miami Open having won 4 out of her last 6 matches. She reached the finals of the tournament in 2022. Fans have seen several tennis moms making a comeback to the court this season.

But does Osaka feel like having a special bond with the other moms on the tour, does she take any tips from them?

“I’m not in a group chat” – Osaka makes a strange revelation

During the post-match press conferences, she was asked about her bindings with the other moms on the Tour. She replied, “I mean, I feel a great deal of respect, and I think it’s very mutual (smiling). But I’m not in a group chat if that’s what you’re asking.” Osaka jokingly said that she isn’t like someone who’d break the ice while meeting her peers. But she admitted she feels really grateful and happy to see her daughter, the youngest in the bunch and it enables her to ask questions whenever she needs to.

However, Elina Svitolina had earlier revealed how becoming a mother has resulted in a change in her priorities. Something which is quite contrasting to what Naomi Osaka feels. Elina Svitlona said she wants to play and win every single match but right now, she tries to enjoy her journey more and put less pressure on herself. While Naomi Osaka says, “I want my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, ‘That’s my mom.” Share what are your thoughts on two different perspectives from the two new moms of the tennis world.

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