Naomi Osaka is making her return to the U.S. Open after a two-year absence, drawing inspiration from her childhood memories of attending the tournament as a fan. The 26-year-old tennis star, who has won four Grand Slam titles including two U.S. Open championships in 2018 and 2020, expressed that being at the tournament site evokes nostalgia for her early days in New York when she watched her favorite players like Rafael Nadal, Serena and Venus Williams, and Maria Sharapova.
Despite her past successes, Osaka emphasized that she doesn't dwell on her previous victories but rather focuses on the joy and excitement she felt as a young spectator. Born in Japan and raised in New York since the age of 3, Osaka credits her childhood experiences at the U.S. Open for providing a sense of comfort and motivation as she prepares to compete once again.
Currently ranked 85th in the world, Osaka faces a challenging match against No. 10 seed Jelena Ostapenko in the upcoming tournament. Following a series of setbacks, including time off for mental health reasons and a recent string of mixed results, Osaka has been candid about her struggles on and off the court.
In a candid social media post, Osaka revealed her internal battles with self-doubt and a sense of disconnect from her game. She likened her current state to feeling 'postpartum' and expressed frustration over her performance inconsistencies across different playing surfaces.
Despite these challenges, Osaka remains determined to regain her form and confidence. Through introspection and sharing her thoughts online, she finds clarity and relief from the mental burdens that have weighed on her game. With a renewed focus on her training and preparation, Osaka expressed optimism about her prospects at the U.S. Open and her ability to deliver strong performances.
As she looks ahead to her upcoming match, Osaka is hopeful that her recent improvements in practice will translate into success on the court. With a resilient mindset and a commitment to overcoming obstacles, Osaka aims to showcase her best tennis and make a statement at one of the sport's most prestigious events.
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