Following her second-round exit from the Mutua Madrid Open, former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka remains optimistic about her future on the clay courts, expressing a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.
“I think I’m on to something. It’s all about to click, I feel it in the air,” Osaka shared on social media, reflecting on her experience at the tournament.
Despite her early departure from Madrid, Osaka found reasons to be positive about her performance. Securing her first clay-court victory since 2022 in the opening round against Greet Minnen, Osaka demonstrated resilience and determination on her least-favored surface. However, her journey ended in a hard-fought match against No. 15 seed Liudmila Samsonova in three sets.
Osaka’s willingness to embrace the challenges of clay court tennis signals a shift in her approach to the surface. Expressing admiration for players who excel on clay, such as Iga Swiatek, Osaka aims to maximize her potential on this demanding terrain.
“There’s definitely beauty to it, and I’m taking a lot of inspiration from people who do well on it,” Osaka remarked, highlighting her evolving perspective on clay court play.
In addition to her on-court endeavors, Osaka reflected on her recent appearance on “Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios,” where she explored the lessons of her past, the realities of her present, and her aspirations for the future. Contemplating her legacy, Osaka acknowledges the uncertainty of life and the importance of cherishing each moment as a blessing.
“How bold of me to assume I’ll live long enough to fade away,” Osaka mused, recognizing the transient nature of existence. She emphasizes the value of living in the present and embracing gratitude for every breath and opportunity.
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With the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on the horizon, Osaka shifts her focus to the next challenge. Despite her early exit from Madrid, she remains determined to make her mark in Rome, where she will make her fifth career appearance at the Foro Italico.
As Osaka continues her journey, her resilience, optimism, and evolving perspective serve as sources of inspiration for fans and fellow athletes alike. With each step, she reaffirms her commitment to growth, both on and off the court, leaving an indelible impact on the world of tennis and beyond.
Naomi Osaka in 2024
Now ranked no.197, Naomi played her last match on the 25th of April when she lost to world no.17 Ludmilla Samsonova 6-2 4-6 7-5 in the 2nd round in Madrid (draw).
This season the Japanese owns an overall 9-8 win-loss record.
Naomi Osaka |
| Embed from Getty Images |
