After the Olympic Games, it was immediately time for Naomi Osaka to come back to the court. The Japanese champion faced and defeated Ons Jabeur in the first round in the Wta 1000 in Toronto, showing excellent tennis. But it was in the media day of the presentation of the tournament that Naomi discussed many topics and released the most interesting thoughts. And they concern both her future and some curiosities regarding the Olympics.
“In Tokyo I was very stressed instead I have to say that in Paris I enjoyed myself a lot more, there were more spectators and therefore compared to a few years ago it was very different. I decided not to stay in the Olympic Village and this makes me a little sad, so you didn’t have a complete experience and I hope to be able to play in the Olympic tournament in Los Angeles. Overall it was a great experience,” she said.
Naomi then talked about the anticipated Toronto tournament: “I lost at the Olympics. I was really devastated, but with my team by my side. I came home and saw my daughter, she was happy and that made me feel good. When I was younger my only goal was tennis, she made me understand that there are many other things in life and that the world is very beautiful.
I honestly wasn’t sure what my next move would be, in the past I cried on the court because I was frustrated. At the Olympics I watched Iga train and I want to get back to that level, I want to play like the great players. Why did I watch Iga Swiatek? Watching the big players I always have something to learn, I know she has one of the best movements in the WTA and I try to take inspiration from them,” she added.
What can Naomi Osaka really gain from the second part of her career? In my opinion, still a lot. After maternity, the Japanese is trying to find continuity. I believe that the real Naomi Osaka is the one admired at the Roland Garros against Iga Swiatek. That said, it must be considered that Naomi will have to find the right physical balance and where better than the North American hard-courts swing, to find her tennis again.