Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has expressed her deep love for tennis and her excitement for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old Japanese player firmly believes she can return to her former glory.
Since welcoming her daughter Shai last July, Osaka returned to the court in January 2024 but has struggled with inconsistent performance since then. Her best result on the court has been reaching the semi-finals twice, which she described as a painful experience.
Ahead of the Auckland Classic, Osaka shared her journey, saying, "The experiences of 2024 have humbled me, but I've also grown a lot." The player, who won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, is using the Auckland tournament as a stepping stone to the Australian Open. "I've put in unprecedented effort, and although the results were disappointing, I truly felt growth and learning," she said.
Osaka's season was hit by injuries in October, and her collaboration with renowned coach Mouratoglou lasted only one match. Now ranked 58th in the world, she remains optimistic about the future and emphasizes her burning desire for success.
"What drives me to continue playing tennis is the opportunity to learn something new every time I step onto the court," she admitted. "I'm very competitive; I enjoy winning matches and competing against the best players in the world to see what I can achieve."
When asked if she still has the motivation to return to the top ranks, Osaka responded without hesitation, "Of course." Recently, her commitment and passion for the future were once questioned. "A year or two ago, I was unsure if I still wanted to play, but now I know I still have that passion," she said.
For the 2025 season, Osaka will start a new chapter at the ASB Tennis Classic in Auckland, her first return to the city in eight years. Her season plan also includes participating in the Dubai Open, providing her with more opportunities to return to the competitive arena.