World-class multi-tasking from @naomiosaka during a change of ends. There's never a bad time for a good book. #AusOpen • #AO2024
"Who are you to think you can come back and immediately start winning": Naomi Osaka calm on comeback despite Garcia defeat in Melbourne
WTAMonday, 15 January 2024 at 18:30
Naomi Osaka remained upbeat despite finding herself on the losing end against Caroline Garcia 2-6, 6-7 in the first round as the Frenchwoman proved too much on her return to the Australian Open.
The former two-time champion and World Number One as Garcia pointed out herself only gave birth five months ago and it was a point that Osaka discussed in her post match interview that in her own head, she doesn't think she is ready to start winning again and that it will take its time.
"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'," she said.
"I don't know. 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. But it is really tough to I guess play a good server and not make too many returns," Osaka added.
Osaka also mooted that she will play a full schedule in 2024 with Doha, Qatar and Charleston among the tournaments on her list so fans will get to see more of the Japanese ace. She also said that in her mind coach Wim Fissette's preparation is good but goes out the window on court with Pliskova and now Garcia finding their top level against her.
"Wim always shows me his PowerPoint presentations about the opponent. When I get on the court, they serve faster or they hit harder and stuff."
She then joked that the reason behind the players finding their top gear is due to her own prowess. "I kind of feel like they might have to. You know what I mean? I always expect that. I don't know. It's a little frustrating sometimes," she added.
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