Naomi Osaka will win more grand slams. KEI NISHIKORI

The Japanese is confident that his compatriot will find a way to cope with the pressure

By
Alex Boyden
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Nishikori optimist about Osaka

Kei Nishikori and Naomi Osaka are the faces of tennis in Japan.

Naomi is currently struggling with the pressure she is facing for being the world no.1 and a fresh “double-slam” champion. The Japanese also got a lot of unwanted attention after her sudden split with her coach Sascha Bajin that was also depicted by the press (and Naomi herself) as her mentor. The result of it was that Osaka lost in the opening match in Dubai to Kiki Mladenovic 6-3 6-3 and she ended up in tears during the following press conference.

Naomi Osaka struggling to cope after splitting with her coach

Naomi is now back in the US where she is regrouping to get ready to defend her title in Indian Wells.

Naomi Osaka will win more grand slams. KEI NISHIKORI

Kei Nishikori is now in Dubai where he is seeded no.1. When asked about Naomi’s struggle he commented

“It’s bit different; it’s much more than me. She’s won two grand slams in a row. It’s incredible. Maybe a year ago she wasn’t ranked top 10. Suddenly everything changed. She’s No 1, too.

I’ve been top three before, but everything is different. There’s much more pressure, for sure. Being No 1, winning grand slams, that’s something I never had before. I’m sure she’s going to adapt; he just needs the time.

She has a great mentality: very strong, very calm. She doesn’t panic too much. I’m sure in time she will get used to it. She was maybe unfortunate to lose here, but I’m sure she’s OK. She’s going to be winning more grand slams.”

Nishikori’s statement was also in tune with what Petra Kvitova, Simona Halep, and Karolina Pliskova said about the Japanese.

We just need to wait and see.

 

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