Naomi Osaka is one of tennis’ most interesting figures, and though her talent is undeniable, her performances have ebbed and flowed all throughout the year.
This was bound to happen after returning to tennis after such a lengthy spell out, but there almost seems like a quiet inevitability that she will soon be back challenging for titles again.
To do that, already the four-time Grand Slam champion is channelling new methods for success, with one some might deem questionable…
Naomi Osaka admits to stalking WTA star
Speaking to the press ahead of her return to action at the Canadian Open, before she faced Ons Jabeur earlier today, the 26-year-old was frank in her assessment of her 2024.
After all, the expectations were low going into it, as she simply sought a straightforward return to tennis after a lengthy break where she could recapture her love for the sport whilst avoiding injury.
Thus far, she has achieved both of these goals remarkably well, although she is still far from where she wants to be.
Fortunately, her experience at the Olympics this summer provided her with the perfect opportunity to watch one superstar, who she even admitted to ‘stalking’ in Paris.
Naomi Osaka told reporters: ‘I would say it has evolved throughout the year because I have got a lot more comfortable in my body. After pregnancy, I wasn’t really sure how my movement would be. I remember being on the track at UCLA and almost crying in frustration because I felt like I couldn’t run like I wanted to. I felt like I was in a body suit that was not performing the way I wanted. Now to be here I feel like is a really incredible achievement so I think we are working a lot of quick steps.
‘Honestly, I was stalking Iga. I was watching her practice at the Olympics. That’s something I want to do more, watch the great players practice, because there is always something I can pick up on. I know she has one of the better or probably the best footwork skills on the WTA, so I am just trying to copy a little bit.’
This practise adds to Naomi Osaka claiming she’s currently doing something she never has before in her entire tennis career.
Iga Świątek is who Naomi Osaka will want to dethrone
Whilst she has admitted to watching and admiring the Polish superstar, before she took her hiatus and then had a baby, it was Osaka who was the woman to beat, having won four Grand Slam titles and seemingly being set to win plenty more.
It took immense bravery to do what she did, stepping away from the game that gave her everything in favour of her mental health, but the vigour and energy with which she has returned to tennis now is indicative of what a great decision it was.
But, in doing so, she has returned to square one.
Now ranked 95th in the world, she is a world away from Iga Swiatek, who remains comfortably clear at the top of the WTA world rankings.
The Japanese star will want to take some advice from such a serial winner, but in the same breath must be aware that to return to the level she was once at, she needs to find a way to crush her and all those beneath.
Their clash at Roland Garros earlier this year showcased just how dangerous Osaka can be when she is playing her best tennis.
To return to that level on a consistent basis should see her rise up to alongside, or even above Swiatek, not before long.
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