Naomi Osaka is in a happy place right now.
The Japanese sensation managed to reach the quarters in Toronto to overtake Ashleigh Barty in the live rankings and have a solid shot at being back to be the new world no.1 from next week.
However, Naomi will face her childhood idol, Serena Williams, for the first time after the well-known epic (and controversial) US Open final that ended with the Japanese winning her first slam. That could put in danger Naomi’s ambitions in leading the rankings once again, but apparently Osaka is just excited for facing Serena.
Why Naomi is so happy to play Serena
During her press conference on Thursday, Naomi commented:
“I’m just really excited. I grew up watching her, so whenever I get the opportunity to play her, it’s something that I feel is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“It feels more like I’m showcasing my skills to her, like, ‘Look what I can do.’ You know what I mean? So I go into the matches with that mentality, and I’m just super grateful to get the chance to play her.”
Head to head Naomi Osaka vs. Serena Williams
Naomi has a positive 2-0 head to head record against Serena after she defeated her in Miami and at the US Open.
Head 2 Head
LWWWLWLWLW
