Naomi Osaka is set to face Iga Swiatek in the final of the 2022 Miami Open on Saturday, and the Japanese superstar has left many amazed b her incredible performance.
After skipping much of the later half of the 2021 season due to mental health issues, Osaka returned in Australia this year but had been a shell of her former self. With her ranking dropping out of the Top 70, the former World No.1 seemed to be struggling to make a comeback.
However, Osaka has been exceptional at this week's event in Miami, leading to many to proclaim that the four-time Grand Slam champion was playing like a new player. Osaka took exception to this, stating that she was still the same as before.
"People have been telling me, You’re back, and stuff like that. But to be honest, I don’t feel like I left," said the 24-year old. "I have always been this player. I just didn’t play the matches. There have been situations where I lost early, but I played good matches the entire time.”
Osaka will be competing for her maiden title in Miami as she faces Swiatek for the second time, with the Japanese superstar prevailing in their lone previous meeting in Cincinnati in 2019.
Naomi Osaka: “People have been telling me, You’re back, and stuff like that. But to be honest, I don’t feel like I left. I have always been this player. I just didn’t play the matches. There have been situations where I lost early, but I played good matches the entire time.”
