Naomi Osaka has been talking about what the future holds, as she prepares to return to action at the Abu Dhabi Open.
Having endured a first-round exit at the Australian Open, that clash marked her third game since returning to the sport after giving birth. The world number 757 is now due to play doubles with Ons Jabeur later today.
Expected to improve with each passing tournament now, she has been talking about her aims for the 2024 season and beyond.
But how far does Osaka believe she can go after such a lengthy period out of the game? We take a closer look…
What Naomi Osaka said about her plans for the 2024 season
Showing no fear in the face of Aryna Sabalenka after she has just cruised to the Australian Open title is never seen as a wise decision, given the 25-year-old crushes almost everyone she faces on the court.
However, if anyone is set to cause her issues it would be Osaka, who boasted a frighteningly similar level of strength in her prime.
Although not referencing her with any malice, her conversation with The National News helps to detail her motivations upon returning to tennis and the new outlook she now has.
The Japanese star noted, when asked if she is prepared to challenge the likes of Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, & Coco Gauff: ‘I’m at a weird point right now in this comeback. I, obviously, have so much respect for them and everything that they’ve done.
‘But I don’t really see myself as a challenger, which is a weird thing. It’s really bold to say but I know what I’m capable of, and I know people are going to probably drag me for saying this, but I don’t think it’s a stretch for me to say that I see myself there.
‘And I hope that I can get there this year, hopefully towards the tail-end of the year. But if not, I’m okay with being patient, I’ve always been a patient person, so I’ll get there eventually.’
Naomi Osaka has done it all before
As a powerful hard hitter who once occupied the world number one spot herself, such ambition is hardly unrealistic.
After all, the 26-year-old is still in her peak years, and although she did miss plenty of 2023 due to the birth of her child, it should take no time at all for her to get back up to speed.
This mindset though, where she alleviates the pressure from herself, is one which can surely only help her progression.
With immense raw power from the baseline and on her serve, perhaps clashing with the 2024 Australian Open winner might see Sabalenka meet her match. Especially given how she powered her way to the final with ease, dropping just one set as she claimed just her second-ever Grand Slam title.
Meanwhile, Osaka already has four majors to her name, specialising on the hard-court surfaces synonymous with Melbourne and the US Open.
It will be a steady process to return to where she will feel she belongs, but this confidence mixed with the lack of pressure she is putting on herself should make for a fine blend to help speed up her return to tennis’ apex.
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