Former world number one
Naomi Osaka stated that seeing some
big-name players like
Serena Williams and
Maria Sharapova taught her to enjoy tennis
while it lasts.
The 26-year-old finally returned to the court after a gap of
more than one year. Osaka was recently quoted in a report where she stated that
seeing two greats of the game retire makes her realise how important it is to
enjoy the sport at the highest level.
“I think I'm enjoying myself a lot more,” she said. “I also
realize there's a lot of things that aren't in my control. I feel more aware
that I'm playing the best players in the world. Both of us have an opportunity to
win.
“I also just think I've trained so hard after giving birth
that I need to enjoy these moments. I think in a way watching Sharapova &
Serena retiring, I know that the tennis lifespan isn't that long, so I should
enjoy it while I can.”
Osaka, who is a four-time Grand Slam winner, did not have a
great return to professional tennis as her journey in the Brisbane
International came to an end after losing the second-round tie to the Czech
Republic’s Karolina Pliskova with a score of 3-6, 7-6, 6-4.
