"It's certainly got some power" - Annabel Croft highlights underrated aspect of Naomi Osaka's game

After making her comeback to the WTA Tour earlier this year, Naomi Osaka could be potentially underutilizing an aspect of her game, according to former player and current analyst Annabel Croft.

Osaka took a 16 month hiatus to give birth to her first child, before returning to competitive tennis in January 2024. The 26-year old has struggled to regain the form that saw her win four Grand Slam trophies, as her best performances this season have been quarterfinal appearances.

Although Osaka is known for her powerful groundstrokes and precision, Croft believes the former World No.1 should employ her serve more often in constructing points.

"It’s a very underrated serve, the Osaka serve,” Croft said during Sky Sports’ live broadcast of Osaka’s match at the 2024 China Open. “It’s certainly got some power, it’s got swing on it and she plays it with a forehand grip which is usual and she manages to pronate that wrist and gets a lot of swing on the ball.”

Osaka battled from a set down to overcome Yulia Putintseva in their second round encounter. The Japanese superstar next faces American Katie Volynets, who upset the 14th seeded Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk during their second round clash.