Osaka wants more: "You know me, I love these games"

After defeating Caroline Garcia and Karolina Muchova in a hellish draw, now the Japanese player is getting ready to face Belinda Bencic: "I trust myself a lot".

Fernando Murciego | 15 Jan 2025 | 11.30
facebook twitter whatsapp Comentarios
Naomi Osaka is already in the third round of the Australian Open. Source: Getty
Naomi Osaka is already in the third round of the Australian Open. Source: Getty

Looking at the path she is taking, it can't be said that Naomi Osaka has had much luck with the draw of this Australian Open 2025. Of course, even worse luck would have had those players who had to face a woman who has conquered this tournament twice, regardless of her current situation. The feeling is that the Japanese player is improving, that she is motivated to endure and win tough matches, and it even seems she has built a strong bond with Patrick Mouratoglou. After two great triumphs against two former top 10 players and before facing a third, these were her words to the media.

Second victory in the tournament

"It was a very tough match from the start. After the first set, I told myself that I had to fight for every point. If I were to lose 6-1, 6-1, then she's the best player in history. I wasn't ready for such a start, so I tried not to be negative with myself since the first set was very dramatic. I just focused on that, repeating to myself over and over that I had to fight, living in the past is impossible."

From Garcia to Muchova

"I love these matches, you know me. I love playing against great players, I think that's where I bring out my best tennis. Honestly, if I play better throughout the rounds, it's because my opponents' level is also increasing, so I took this duel as a clash between two competitors. I hope the fans appreciated it from the outside, as a player I appreciate it a lot."

Return to the 3rd Round of a Grand Slam

"Of course, it means something to me, although I try not to think too much about it at the moment. Definitely, this was a goal I had set for myself, especially after everything that happened last year. I couldn't beat any seed in a Grand Slam, so I am very grateful to have achieved it this season so soon. I just hope to continue playing many more rounds because this is one of my favorite tournaments."

The key to her good form

"The truth is that I believed in myself all the time, it's funny. When we were cooling down, I was telling Patrick that I was very grateful for having gone to Auckland because there I also played three very tough sets. If I had come straight to Melbourne and had to play against Garcia and Muchova, it would have been very tough, but that previous tournament experience helped me a lot in those third sets. So, I wasn't too worried about my game slipping."

Next challenge: Belinda Bencic

"It's probably a match with special ingredients for you, but not necessarily for me. Simply, we are both labeled as 'moms', but when you step onto the tennis court, you only think of yourself as a tennis player, at least in the first place. I don't remember the year we played our last match, but I know that she is a tremendously tough rival, very competitive. We didn't exactly grow up together, but we have crossed paths a lot on the tour, it's great that she has had a baby and also returned. It seems she's doing really well, so it will be fun."

Physical growth

"I am better since I returned, although it's hard to compare to when I was a teenager and flew around the court. There is still much I can learn, that's why I train every day, to try to be stronger and faster. Am I feeling better than 12 months ago? [...] Well, I don't know, that's a long time, but I want to think that I'm not slower than back then. I believe I'm fitter now; at least I don't feel tired in three-set matches, I've already played two this week."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Osaka quiere más: “Ya me conocéis, estos partidos me encantan”