Naomi Osaka still on course for rankings boost after impressive Brisbane fightback
Naomi Osaka powered back from a set down to overcome Anastasija Sevastova at the Brisbane International.
The US Open champion gave herself an on-court pep-talk after losing the first set, and it clearly made a difference as she needed just 21 minutes to win the second set to love.
That saw the momentum shift and allowed Osaka to close out an impressive 3-6 6-0 6-4 win in Pat Rafter Arena.
“She’s an amazing player,” Osaka said of Sevastova.
“I was just trying to stay calm and tell myself that she is one of the best players in the world.
“I just had to stay in there and get a chance and I think I did. I just rolled with it.”
Should Osaka win the event, she will receive a big rankings boost that could see her going into the Australian Open as high as number three in the world.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Rafael Nadal will be a more aggressive player in 2019, coach warns rivals
-
Warning signs are flashing for Andy Murray as he prepares his final comeback attempt
-
Gallery of stars Down Under: Roger Federer with a western rock lobster, Naomi Osaka with a python
-
Novak Djokovic: ‘Beating Roger Federer record my major career goal’
-
EXCLUSIVE: Judy Murray identifies one reason why her sons have reached the top
-
Latest
-
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.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.