"I get so nervous": Why Naomi Osaka said she could not be friends with Serena Williams
WTAThursday, 02 November 2023 at 07:30
Former world number one Japan’s Naomi Osaka has revealed
that it is hard for her to be friends with someone of the stature of America’s
Serena Williams.
The 42-year-old is often regarded as the greatest player in
the history of women’s singles tennis in the Open era, having won as many as 23
Grand Slam titles.
Osaka, who herself has won four major titles in her career,
was recently quoted in a report where she stated that she is still surprised
whenever Serena messages her because of her stature and what she has achieved
on the court.
"No [I can't be friends with her],” she said. “I would
have to win 20 something more Grand Slams to be her peer. She has so many lists
of accomplishments, so no way. I have just been very grateful that I am even
playing; I have been trying to take every day as a new experience and learn
from everything.
"I have this huge respect for her. She is someone that
I have looked up to my entire life, so I still feel a bit shocked whenever she
reaches out and I don't know; I don't say hi to her or anything. I get so
nervous.
Read also
“She always
seems like she is doing something important, so I don't wanna interrupt and
then I really wanna talk to her about life and stuff and like how she manages
to do things on and off the court. But, I don't wanna be disrespectful to her
and try to talk to her like she is my mentor while she is still playing, so I
am kinda just chilling on that.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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