Naomi Osaka is a fantastic player on hard courts, but she is still struggling to keep her level on clay. The Japanese sensation will try to understand how to move on the dirt by watching Rafael Nadal’s movements. The King of Clay has conquered 13 French Open titles and he is widely considered the best player in history to compete on the dirt.
During a recent interview, Naomi revealed that she wants to improve her game on clay and grass. She commented:
“I’m going to watch a lot of Nadal’s videos to see how he moves.
I just think that knowing I’m still a student and I have to keep learning, clay and grass are something I really want to tackle this year.
So I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get good results. Not that results are everything, but I really want to do well.”
Naomi Osaka in 2022
Currently the world no.35, Naomi played her last contest on the 2nd of April when she was overcome by world no.1 Iga Swiatek 6-4 6-0 in the final in Miami (draw).
During this season the Japanese has managed to achieve a compiled 11-3 match record. Naomi Osaka’s latest run in Miami was the best achievement of her season.
Rafael Nadal in 2022
Ranked no.4, Rafael played his last match on the 20th of March when he capitulated to world no.13 Taylor Fritz 6-3 7-6(5) in the final in Indian Wells (draw).
During this season the Spaniard has achieved a 20-1 win-loss record. Rafael clinched 3 titles in 2022 in Melbourne, at the Australian Open and in Acapulco. The Spaniard got to the final in Indian Wells.
Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal |
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