?This Didn?t Really Come Out of the Blue? – Naomi Osaka Talks About Not Feeling Surprised Seeing Ashleigh Barty Retire

Earlier, 3-time Grand Slam champion Ashleigh Barty announced shocking news as she stepped down from playing tennis. After hearing the news, many players congratulated her and showed support for her decision. Lack of motivation was one of the biggest reasons that forced her to take that decision. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Naomi Osaka had her fair share of problems both on and off the court. Speaking to the press, she talked about sharing her feelings with Barty.

Naomi Osaka talks about interacting with Ashleigh Barty

In a pre-tournament press conference at the Miami Open, Naomi Osaka opened up about her time with Ashleigh Barty on the tour. According to the Japanese player, they had very brief interactions with one another, as she is not a very open or outgoing person.?

When the Interviewer asked Naomi if she finds any similarities between her and Barty, she said, ?Yeah, for me, I first heard about her — we played when we were both quite young in Mexico. Before that, I just heard that she took a break from tennis for a while because she felt homesick. To me, this didn’t really come out of the blue, especially with COVID.?

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?But I would say, like, I’m not one that really is that outgoing. I exchange hellos and stuff with her, but I’ve never really had an in-depth conversation, which would be cool. But I think, I don’t know, there’s also this barrier that tennis players put up that you might have to play this person and you don’t want to, like, get too — open up too much. That’s how I see it, so?,? the Japanese player further said.?

Osaka had a great start at the Miami Open

At the Indian Wells Open, Naomi Osaka crashed out in the second round. She left the court in tears because of a heckler, as she addressed the crowd after the match. However, in the Miami Open, she looked like her former self with back-to-back wins.?

In the first round, she beat Astra Sharma and in the second round, she absolutely decimated the 3-time Grand Slam champion, Angelique Kerber by 6-2,6-3. So far, she?s yet to lose a set in both the games. In the next match, she will play Karolina Muchova.?

Read More: ?Couldn?t Even Toss the Ball? ? Naomi Osaka Recalls Her Indian Wells Match, Says She?s Happy With Miami Open 2022 Conditions

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