Naomi Osaka has continued to progress at the Canadian Open and now faces a clash against Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinal tomorrow.
The Japanese performer was in fine form as she came through for the loss of just one game against Latvian performer Anastasija Sevastova.
Osaka has Serena Williams as one of her role models and having already won Grand Slam titles during her career, the challenge for her is to start winning more big honours.
Osaka stopped working with Patrick Mouratoglou earlier this year and it would now appear that her game is finally in a good place, ready for the final Grand Slam of the year at the US Open.
Surprisingly, Osaka won’t be facing Amanda Anisimova last time, with the American failing to beat Svitolina, but the player did have some kind words for the Wimbledon finalist when it looked as though she would have to play her.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesWhat Naomi Osaka said about Amanda Anisimova
One of Anisimova’s biggest wins when she was starting out in her career came over Osaka at the Australian Open when the Japanese player was the defending champion.
Anisimova won 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 back in 2022, and Osaka remembers that particular match rather fondly, stating that she thought the American had some kind words for her after claiming success.
She said in her press conference: “Yeah, of course I remember playing her in the Australian Open. I think for me, I was just really emotional, because I was defending, I think at the time.
“She was super nice to me after that, and she’s a really nice girl. I do follow her journey because I respect her a lot, and I think she’s one of the best tennis players in the world, which of course, not that she has to prove it, but she’s showing that.
“Wimbledon was a little sad, but I’m happy that she’s bouncing back. Yeah, it’s definitely going to be fun to watch what she continues to do.”
Osaka has to believe she can win another Grand Slam title
The 27-year-old has won four Grand Slam titles during her career and the hope will be in her eyes that another one can be obtained before the curtain comes down on her career.
Osaka has had some time off the tour to start a family, but the world number 53 is now on her way back up the rankings and perhaps becoming a seed will be perfect for her.
Osaka will perhaps be glad to avoid Anisimova at the last eight stage of the Canadian Open and there will be some belief that she can go all the way this week.
Anisimova will be disappointed to be out of another tournament but there is genuine hope that she can bounce back from her mauling in the Wimbledon final last month.
AloJapan.com