"I know that the tennis lifespan isn't that long": Naomi Osaka was inspired to enjoy tennis while it lasts by Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova
WTAThursday, 04 January 2024 at 05:30
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.
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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- I love WTA matches. Seek them out as much as possible on youtube and other platforms I already subscribe to. With that in mind, I do not wish to pay $$$ to a notoriously slippery subscription conglomerate sports broadcaster (like SkySports) just for the privilege to watch it and the tnt/eurosport/discovery subscription went from $$ to $$$+ annually in a blink of an eye. With ATP I have been begrudgingly paying xyz tennis only channel and try to catch up on slams elsewhere (pubs, youtube with USO later on games are just as enjoyable to watch and a smart move to upload on their official channel) but they don't cover WTA. I tried another Tennis dedicated channel that advertised originally as broadcasting where I live, but turned out, they took the money, but didn't cover the matches (only fluff/filler value documentaries). I don't understand why it is so hard to not lock the live matches to one broadcaster only refusing so many people who are happy to pay for the privilege just not through that one entry point. WTA is so exciting for the last few years and they really should capitalise on it as much as possible. And I know it is somewhat naive talking without knowing the inner works, but not being able to find any WTA other than youtube (and then only highlights mostly) is just so frustrating.JayJay11-09-2026
- Clearly not AI :-)
AceOfBase11-09-2026 - Oh my God!! Does anyone proofread these pages??? Case in point: However, the question mark over the 32-years-old head......???? No! No! No! However, the question mark over the 32-year-old's head...good grief man, hire a proofreader. This article is rife with errors making some sentences very difficult to read. I had to stop. I am a proofreader hence my disgust.Rapunzel10-09-2026
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- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
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