"Sitting here I'm like you know what? I might do that actually": Osaka thinking of emulating Serena and Venus Williams in playing into 40's
WTASaturday, 09 September 2023 at 00:00
Former world number one Japan’s Naomi Osaka stated that she
might be able to emulate what Willams sisters managed to achieve at the highest
level.
Serena and Venus dominated the world of women’s tennis at
the highest level for a long time. Not only that but they also managed to
continue playing in their 40s.
Osaka was quoted in a report recently where she stated that she
could imagine playing for that long.
"I remember watching the Australian Open & being
devastated because I've never missed an Australian Open," she said. "When I was watching Serena & Venus
(Williams) I was thinking I probably no way will ever play at their age, but
sitting here I'm like you know what? I might do that actually."
Osaka has not been active in professional tennis since September
last year as she took a long break because of her pregnancy.
While talking about her potential, the 25-year-old stated
that she would be looking to ease into action and not take part in every event.
"It's definitely way more tournaments than I used to
play," she said. "So I think some people will be happy with that. I
think it's because I realized that I don't know how the beginning of the year
is going to go for me. I don't know the level of play and I think I have to
ease into it. So at the very least, I'll set myself up for a very good end of
the year.”
Osaka has an impressive record while playing at the highest
level where she has won four Grand Slams.
Her first major
triumph came in 2018 when she defeated America’s Serena Williams in the final
of the US Open whereas her last Grand Slam victory came in 2021 when she lifted
the Australian Open after beating Jennifer Brady in straight sets.
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- Is there no one in Pro Tennis willing to give this one some form of intervention before she crashes??
mandoist04-09-2026 - Double Standards for the male players? Gross. BTW: This "apology" reads like the one his lawyers wrote for him when he had to go to the Kangaroo Court for slapping his girlfriend around.mandoist04-09-2026
- From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not just the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.mandoist03-09-2026
- From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.mandoist03-09-2026
- In her defense... she has no "defense" and likely could not articulate it if she did.mandoist03-09-2026
- Someone is not enjoying her gradual slide down the rankings, which became noticeable last season. BTW: That reporter's on to something familiar -- the effects of Social Media Stardom on one's Second Priority (Tennis). Shades of Bouchard, Giorgi, Raducanu, etc.mandoist03-09-2026
- Sabalenka seems so unhappy. When you get angry after every mistake you make on court, you’ve got some issues sweetie! She also does seem to be “partying” a lot if you follow her social media (I don’t lolol). Very immature personality.DaveyWavey03-09-2026
- The main difference for bigger names like Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverez, etc. is that they usually make it to the later stages of tournaments while 99% of the other players win a round or two and then move on to the next tournament. The bigger names are playing more, playing longer and therefore more injury issues. The money is great but it all comes with a price!DaveyWavey03-09-2026
Loading
