"I definitely want to win more Grand Slams and play the Paris Olympics": Main goals set by Naomi Osaka as 2024 return draws closer
ATP
Naomi Osaka
discussed her goals for the 2024 season shortly after her return at the
Brisbane International, ending a 14-month hiatus from the tennis court. The
4-times Grand Slam champion aims to return to her peak form and has set her
sights on the Grand Slam tournaments and the Paris Olympics as her major
objectives.
The
Japanese tennis player, currently without a ranking, had been away from the
sport since September 2022 due to her pregnancy and the subsequent birth of her
first daughter, Shai, in July. The 26-year-old Osaka's initial goal is to enter
the Australian Open in top form and compete for the title, which she previously
won in 2019 and 2021.
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Osaka
emphasized that the Grand Slam events are her primary focus, having already
claimed the US Open title in 2018 and 2020. However, she acknowledged that she
hasn't replicated the same level of success on surfaces other than hardcourt,
as she has never advanced beyond the third round at the French Open and
Wimbledon in her career.
"I
definitely want to win more Grand Slams and I guess put in more time in the
French Open and Wimbledon, and play the Paris Olympics," Osaka said.
"I
want to be someone that understands the game a lot more. In the first chapter
of my tennis I kind of got away with just being myself and playing with my
instincts."
Osaka has
accumulated seven titles in her career and a total of 25 weeks at the top of
the rankings, a position she first attained at the beginning of 2019. This
reign was briefly interrupted by Ashleigh Barty between June and August. Osaka
then regained the top spot for her last four weeks as the world No. 1 before
ultimately relinquishing the position to the Australian:
"I've
never been a person that's really good at playing for myself, if that makes
sense," Osaka added.
"So I
kind of like the feeling of having the responsibility of having to take care of
Shai and wanting to show her around the world. I kind of feel more like I'm
playing for her," she concluded.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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