Naomi Osaka has by no means been shy about her aspirations to return to the highest of the game that she as soon as dominated. The four-time main champion, who defeated Lina Glushko 6-4, 6-4 in her first match of the season on Monday in Auckland, says she received’t settle for something however one of the best from herself as she commences her second season after coming back from maternity go away in 2024.
“I don’t suppose I’m the kind of participant that will grasp round,” 27-year-old Osaka advised reporters, in response to the AP, forward of her look on the ASB Traditional. “I’ve a variety of respect for all of the gamers on tour, however the level of my life that I’m at proper now, if I’m not above a sure rating, I don’t see myself enjoying for some time.
“I’d slightly spend time with my daughter if I’m not the place I feel I ought to be and the place I really feel like I will be.”
Osaka rose within the rankings in 2024, from exterior the High 800 to her present perch at 57, and feels just like the season was an excellent step in the appropriate route, even when she didn’t obtain the kind of success she is used to.
The facility from Osaka 💪@naomiosaka | #ASBClassic25 pic.twitter.com/ql0RlUlQpw
— wta (@WTA) December 30, 2024
“I feel 2024 humbled me, however I additionally really feel like I grew quite a bit,” she stated. “I labored method tougher than I’ve ever labored earlier than. So in that, I suppose it was very painful to not get the outcomes I needed, however I really feel like I’m rising and studying and I’m actually excited for this 12 months.”
Seventh-seeded Osaka will face Austria’s Julia Grabher in second-round motion at Auckland. Osaka fired seven aces and received 77 p.c of her first serve factors to earn her victory in 85 minutes.
