Naomi Osaka got off to a winning start at the Madrid Open (Image: Getty)
Naomi Osaka is experiencing renewed optimism both personally and professionally following retirement speculation that emerged during last month’s Miami Open.
The former world No. 1 endured an unexpected early elimination at the Hard Rock Stadium and acknowledged she questioned remaining on tour if first-round losses meant sacrificing time with her daughter, Shai, who turns three this summer.
Four weeks later, Osaka made her comeback on Madrid’s clay courts, rallying to win the final four games of her opening match against Camila Osorio 6-2 7-5, displaying noticeably improved spirits. The four-time Major champion’s positive outlook is understandable, as her daughter accompanied her to Spain. It comes as tennis legend defends Venus Williams as fans spark fiery debate.
Looking back on recent weeks, Osaka shared: “I was able to go home, honestly, pretty much be a mum. So I would take her to school, pick her up from school, and it was really cool. And she’s here with me, so just getting to see her face, and going to practises, and coming back, it’s been really special to me. So yeah, I don’t have any complaints or anything.
“Honestly, I think her growing older and just being able to figure out her schedule, obviously, with school, it’s been really helpful. And I also just really love travelling with her, like, showing her the world and just exploring. She loves travelling. She loves the airport. She loves airplanes.”
Naomi Osaka took to the court in Eurosummer-inspired headgear (Image: Sky Sports)
Having Shai around has helped the world No. 15 strike a better balance between her on and off-court lives, and she confirmed she was feeling far more confident about her game than she had just a month prior. “I think, for me, on clay, I have one goal, which is to go out on my own terms,” Osaka explained.
“I think obviously, I did okay in Australia, was doing okay in Indian Wells. I played Sabalenka, and I think from there I learned a lesson of just trying to be more aggressive, and I’m trying to implement it here.”
After securing her first clay-court victory of the season, she added: “It was definitely really tough, but I got here a couple days early, so I was able to practice quite a while, and obviously, I’ve played my opponent before, so that also helped. Honestly, [the adjustment] is not that bad. I feel like I’ve also played a couple really good matches on clay, too, so I can draw from that experience. So overall, pretty positive.”
True to form, Osaka made a bold fashion statement on the court, with the 28-year-old sporting a vibrant hat and matching headscarf to complement her orange dress. “So that was kind of a nod to European summers,” she said.
“And obviously, my outfit is all orange, which is kind of tying us back into clay courts. I know it’s weird to say, it was a little simple for me, given all, like, the extraness that I’ve been doing recently! But I think it’s a really elegant look, and I’m excited because there’s different themes and stuff to do in Rome, and obviously here, too. So I’ll just keep trying to switch it up a little.”
Osaka will meet qualifier Anhelina Kalinina on Saturday with a spot in the round of 16 at stake.
AloJapan.com