"I wish with my whole heart to be where they are": Ominous ambition for Naomi Osaka as she looks to challenge top names again
WTASunday, 12 May 2024 at 02:00
Naomi Osaka
acknowledged that she draws inspiration from the good form of other tennis
players to achieve positive results after securing her best clay court victory
at the Rome Open. The Japanese player defeated world No. 11 Daria Kasatkina
6-3, 6-3, marking her third consecutive win in the tournament.
The 4-times
Grand Slam champion has achieved three consecutive victories on clay, something
she hadn't accomplished since the 2019 Madrid Open. She had never defeated
top-20 players on clay before, and this week she did it twice, first by
defeating Ukrainian world No. 19 Marta Kostyuk in the second round with a score
of 6-3, 6-2.
Both Kostyuk and Kasatkina have recently demonstrated great
form on clay. Just three weeks ago, Kostyuk reached the final of the WTA 500
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, although she fell to Elena Rybakina, while Kasatkina
was the runner-up at the WTA 500 Charleston Open after losing to Danielle
Collins.
After advancing to the round of 16, something she hadn't
achieved in Rome since 2019, Osaka was asked about her good form at the Foro
Italico: "You'd never beaten a top-20 player on clay. Now you've beaten
them twice in a row. Is there a connection from being away from the game and
growing and learning and what's happening now for you, which is
unprecedented?" the interviewer asked.
"It’s not unprecedented (smiling)," Osaka said.
"I'm very grateful to be back. I'm very grateful to be healthy because I
know how much hard work it took for me to be here.
"Also, I am just very
inspired by the players that I'm watching now. I'm watching a lot of tennis. I
wish with my whole heart to be where they are, so I'm doing whatever it
takes," she added. "I don't know. I feel like I'm just clawing my way
back to hopefully where I think I belong."
Naomi Osaka is currently ranked world No. 134 in the WTA live ranking. She needs to reach the semifinals to ensure her return to the top 100.
The former world No. 1 will face world No. 8 Zheng Qinwen in
search of a spot in the quarterfinals. The 21-year-old Chinese player recently
defeated Linda Noskova (29th seed) 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- 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
- It almost feels like they’re on their own “Legacy Tour” by playing these events … but losing each one! No press = $$$ fineDaveyWavey07-09-2026
- Love to listen to Mirra. However, I'm worried about her eyesight if she thinks oversized lips is "pretty".mandoist06-09-2026
- One of the most amazing comebacks in a long, long time. It happens (and Keys shouldn't lose her crackers over this). If Madison starts playing Dress-up and walking out on court like some fantasy character with a Mental Problem... then she should really start worrying!mandoist06-09-2026
- STOP the "Look at Me" Tour now... and forever!!mandoist05-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
Loading
