(VIDEO) Naomi Osaka enjoys desert dunes in Abu Dhabi as tough draw fate revealed

WTA
Sunday, 04 February 2024 at 02:30
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Naomi Osaka has arrived in Abu Dhabi for the upcoming WTA 500 tournament and was featured in a promotional video showcasing various activities in the desert. The video includes scenes of the former world No. 1 riding an ATV through the dunes.

The Abu Dhabi tournament, scheduled from February 5th to 11th, will be in its third edition and will feature several former Grand Slam champions, including three players within the top-10: Elena Rybakina (No. 4), Ons Jabeur (No. 6), and Maria Sakkari (No. 9).

Osaka has received a wild card for the event, as has the 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, who is also looking to regain form after spending a significant part of the 2023 season off the competition circuit. The 26-year-old Japanese player will also compete in the doubles draw alongside Tunisian player Ons Jabeur.

Naomi Osaka reflects on the pressure of returning to the Tour

Naomi Osaka made her comeback at the Brisbane International, showcasing a solid performance with a first-round victory against Tamara Korpatsch but eventually falling to Karolina Pliskova in the second round. Her Australian Open debut ended without success as she was defeated by Caroline Garcia.

Nevertheless, Osaka acknowledged the pressure she puts on herself upon returning to the Tour, saying, "I have to tell myself, 'Hey, like six months ago you were pregnant,' stuff like that. Of course, like, there's a voice in my head that is, 'Who are you to think you can come back and immediately start winning matches.”

"I kind of always expect myself to stand a chance anyways. So I guess just being nicer to myself is like a key thing that I learned in my time away," 4-times Grand Slam champion added.

“Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is here! Enjoying the desert dunes in Abu Dhabi”

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