Naomi Osaka is undoubtedly one of the best next-generation tennis players, together with Ashleigh Barty, Amanda Aisimova, and Bianca Andreescu. The three have created a thrilling new wave in WTA. Currently, she is ranked number three in the WTA rankings, but she is confident of reclaiming the number one position being occupied by Ash Barty. However, it will not be a walk in the park. The Japanese recently explained how Serena and Venus Williams influenced her tennis journey so far.
Perhaps the rise of younger and ambitious tennis players is an indication that indeed Serena Williams’ dominance might be coming to an end. Though, Osaka does not believe that it is right to rule out Serena Williams as a threat in women’s tennis. The American tennis player has 23 Grand Slam titles to her name, and she is desperately in the hunt for a 24th one. Last season, a series of injuries and strong, ambitious opponents made it hard for her to win her 24th Grand Slam titles to match Margaret Court’s all-time record in the Women singles.
Naomi Osaka believes Serena Williams is still has what it takes
Despite not winning any Grand Slam title last year, Naomi Osaka still maintains that Serena Williams cannot be written off easily.
“I think it is silly to write Serena off. She went to the finals at Wimbledon and the US Open. She is in the top 10, and she has played the least number of tournaments out of every player, “she said. In relation to last year’s performances, she believes that the 38-year-old does stand a chance of winning a grand slam title this year. Furthermore, Osaka admitted that Serena’s great career would be a defining factor.
“Of course, it is hard to compare because she has had a great career, but I think people are being a bit hard on her. She isn’t just someone that you write-off,” she added.
Osaka’s source of inspiration
The 22-year-old highly regards Serena and Venus Williams as her inspiration when it comes to playing tennis. As a developing tennis player, she used to watch not only Serena but also Venus as they overcame various milestones in their tennis careers.
“For me, I wouldn’t have played tennis if it wasn’t for Serena and her sister Venus. I watched them play when I was younger, and that is why my sister and myself started playing,” Naomi Osaka said. Furthermore, the Japanese admitted that Serena Williams is someone she admires with all her heart.
Osaka in Brisbane, ranking, and results in 2020
Ranked no.4, Naomi has a 1-0 win-loss record in 2020. The Japanese is playing in Brisbane where she defeated Maria Sakkari 6-2 6-74 6-3.
Naomi Osaka will square off with Kenin in the 2nd round. The head to head is 1-1.
The last time that they competed against each other, Kenin won 6-4 1-6 2-0 ret. in the quarter in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open) in August 2019.
The Japanese won 5 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)
Serena Williams in Auckland, ranking, and results in 2020
Ranked no.10, Serena has a 1-0 win-loss record in 2020. Serena is now competing in Auckland where she toppled Camila Giorgi 6-3 6-2.
Serena Williams will square off with Mchale in the 2nd round. The head to head is 3-0 for Serena Williams.
The last time that they played each other, Serena Williams won 6-77 6-2 6-4 in the 2nd round in London (Wimbledon) in July 2016.
Serena won 72 titles in her career: 42 on hard courts, 13 on clay courts, 7 on indoor courts, 2 on carpet courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams played each other 3 times. The head to head is 2-1 for Osaka.
The last time that they locked horns, Serena Williams won 6-3 6-4 in the quarter in Toronto (Rogers Cup) in August 2019.
in the below video you can watch the highlights.
Venus Williams’s ranking and performance in 2020
Now the world no.56, the American played her last match on the 7th of October when she surrendered to Rebecca Peterson 6-3 4-6 6-3 in the 1st round in Tianjin.
