Naomi Osaka shared her thoughts on Venus Williams receiving a wildcard to play at Indian Wells.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion is now 44 years of age and she has not played since the Miami Open in March 2024.
An appearance in 2025 will mark the American 10th at Indian Wells where she will aim to secure her first match win since August 2023.
There has been a divided opinion on the decision to give the veteran a wildcard for the WTA 1000 event, but Naomi Osaka is happy with the choice that was made.
Naomi Osaka reacts to Venus Williams’ Indian Wells wildcard
Venus Williams will have another chance to grace the Indian Wells Tennis garden with her presence after being given a wildcard for the upcoming event. It remains to be seen how the veteran will play given her lack of tennis over the past year.
In addition to her age, some fans were critical of Williams being given a wildcard, but Osaka is delighted to see Williams back on the WTA Tour.
“She’s probably the reason why I started playing,” the four-time Grand Slam champion told CNN World of Sport.
“I didn’t know she was given a wildcard to Indian Wells and it makes me really excited to go to the tournament and see her. I feel like she probably doesn’t know how many people she has inspired.
“Because she inspired me and through me there are probably other kids that are inspired, so I guess it keeps the legacy going.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DF6Vl1aSPTT/Naomi Osaka is getting ready to return to action in Las Vegas
As Williams prepares for her tennis comeback, Osaka is set to return from injury at an exhibition event.
Osaka has not played since retiring from her third round match at the Australian Open against Belinda Bencic due to injury.
But she is looking forward to returning to action at the The MGM Rewards Slam, an exhibition emanating from Las Vegas on March 1, where she will play World number one Aryna Sabalenka.
“I think what I’m looking forward to the most is the atmosphere,” Osaka said. “I’ve been to Las Vegas before, but obviously never to play any tennis, so that should be really exciting.
“I rarely play exhibitions and it’s also the lead-up to Indian Wells so I hope there is a lot of really good tennis to be played.”
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