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via Reuters

via Reuters

Naomi Osaka‘s Australian Open comeback ended with a note of disappointment. However, at the same time, it is important to note that she isn’t just a tennis player now; she is a mother as well. Making the most of her trips has now become a top-most priority of the Japanese star. Additionally, Osaka’s daughter, Shai, is now one of her biggest support systems.

Osaka recently revealed that being away from her daughter upset her in Australia. Motherhood has helped the former world number one improve her mindset. She’s now more open about her struggles and implements different approaches in her game to get the best results.

Naomi Osaka has realized that there are certain things that she can’t control 

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Osaka recently gave an interview to ‘The National’ before starting her campaign at the Abu Dhabi Open. She reflected on how motherhood has transformed her thoughts about the game. The 26-year-old Japanese star now wants to keep working hard, and she wants to do it for her daughter. Naomi Osaka wants to perform well at every tournament she steps in.

via Imago

She had lost 2 out of 3 matches while contesting in Brisbane and Melbourne this year. Did her new way of looking at things add extra pressure on Osaka? She said, “That’s something I’m still learning to deal with. In Australia, it was really tough. I think that would be the main reason why I was so upset. But I think now I’m doing better and I’m learning you can’t win every week, and you can’t really control certain things. You can only control how much work you put in.

Talking about her upgraded mindset, Osaka continued, “For me, regardless of the outcome, I think Shai will know – well she won’t know now, she’s just doing her own thing. But she’ll know that I tried my best and the only intent was for her life to be better.”

READ MORE: WTA Abu Dhabi 2024: Naomi Osaka Is Living the Best Version of Herself and These Blurry Images Prove Just That

The 4 times Grand Slam winner has some ‘Big Goals’ in her career. She had once revealed that she wanted to win 8 more Slams. Currently, she was seen enjoying her time and refreshing her mind ahead of the tournament in Abu Dhabi.

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Osaka loves traveling and exploring different places around the world

Since she arrived in Abu Dhabi, Naomi Osaka has been busy exploring the barren lands of UAE and visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Recalling her experience from the trip so far she said, “Since I’ve landed, I’ve experienced so much culture. And, I’ve been able to do so many fun things. I realise that travelling is something that makes me really happy.”

Talking about her newfound freedom, she added, “I guess while I was pregnant, I was told to not travel and it’s not too healthy to be on the plane. So I was kind of seeing everyone around me travel a lot and I think it feels really nice to be the one to be on adventures again. It’s so beautiful here and I’ve also never been to Abu Dhabi. So I just want to soak it in as much as I can.

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A fresh air before the ultimate show begins? Perhaps a big yes. Naomi Osaka will take on America’s Danielle Collins in her first match at the Abu Dhabi Open on Tuesday. Can she make her presence felt this time?

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