Naomi Osaka hopes home event will be balm to her slump
Former World No 1 Naomi Osaka has admitted that her 2022 season has seen more downs than ups but hopes to revive her fortunes as the WTA Tour returns to Japan at the Pan-Pacific Open.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has plummeted to 48 in the WTA rankings after a dismal run that has seen her bomb out in the first round at her last three tournaments.
The 24-year-old has not won a title since the 2021 Australian Open and has been hampered by injury throughout 2022.
Osaka is hoping to correct her course in Tokyo where she is the defending champion, albeit from three years ago.
The Pan-Pacific Open returns for the first time since the outbreak coronavirus pandemic.
Osaka will face stiff competition from a field that includes US Open semi-finalist and Cincy titlist Caroline Garcia, Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan and Spain’s world number four Paula Badosa.
“This year has been not the best year for me but I’ve learned a lot about myself,” Osaka said.
She added that she was “happy to be healthy”.
“Life is ups and downs, and this year was more down than up, but overall I’m pretty happy with where I am now.”
Osaka has been outside the top 10 all year and endured first-round defeats at both the French and US Opens.
She withdrew from Wimbledon with an Achilles injury, after originally considering skipping the tournament because ranking points would not be awarded.
Osaka admitted that her fall from the sport’s summit had been difficult to handle.
“It was kind of hard at first, just because I feel like I should be somewhere where I’m obviously currently not,” she said.
“I think for me it’s more about being at peace with myself. I know that I’m here for a reason.”
Osaka said she was looking forward to playing in front of Japanese fans again after participating in last year’s Tokyo Olympics behind closed doors.
She admits that she will have to trust in her forehand more to rebuild her confidence after her poor season to date.
Osaka will begin her campaign against Australia’s world number 55 Daria Saville in the first round.
She paid tribute to tennis legend Serena Williams, who retired after the US Open, and said she had “gotten over trying to fill people’s shoes”.
“I don’t think you can ever do that because everyone is unique, and we’re all forging our own paths and we’re all on our own journeys,” said Osaka.
“It’s really incredible all the stuff she’s done for this sport and beyond that. Just watching her as a businesswoman is really cool.”
READ MORE: Roger Federer sparks Laver Cup ticket chaos
Latest
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.