Australian Open - interim conclusion after week 1: Naomi Osaka wants to become more selfish, Maxime Cressy continues to storm forward
Which moments stuck after the first week of the Australian Open 2022? For example this one.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jan 23, 2022, 11:21 am
Naomi Osaka is back - and that's wonderful. Above all, Osaka feels more comfortable in her own skin, she explained. "It's human nature to be tense, to want to please everyone." After the French Open last year, she had the feeling that everyone was judging her; even if she had walked into a stadium, the question in her head was always what everyone would think. "I'm currently trying to learn to be more selfish," Osaka tried to explain, "but in a positive way." In addition, she wants to play through this year with the best attitude, with the knowledge that she has always given everything. They are strong resolutions!
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Samantha Stosur announced her farewell - and took advantage of the good draw. The US Open winner from 2011 is currently only ranked 487 in singles, won another round and was happy accordingly. You don't begrudge her. And in doubles: Sammy (currently in 15th place) will continue until the end of the year.
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How good have Rafael Nadal's press conferences been in recent years? In any case, after his career he should publish a book with wisdom about life. In Melbourne, of course, everyone wants to know how far they are, whether the title is in there. Nadal shakes off those thoughts. He lives moment to moment, day to day. A month and a half ago he was only able to train for half an hour at a time because of the foot problems. And they would stay, it was just a question of how to get the pain assuaged. It's all about playing because he loves tennis. Is there a better reason?
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One can only praise Ashleigh Barty and admire her slice. In Melbourne, she received a surprise visit from her first coach, Jim Joyce, who is responsible for that, by the way. Thanks at this point, Jim!
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At the end of last year, Maxime Cressy had played his way into the main draw of the Australian Open with great Challenger results and is in the round of 16. Cressy makes tennis romantics rave with merciless serve and volley. "My vision from the start was to bring back serve and volley," he says. With success!
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Emma Raducanu is under close scrutiny after her US Open victory. But please: give her time to fit into the life of the tour. How true their attitude is, we saw this year. After her 0: 6, 1: 6 swatter in Sydney against Eleny Rybakina, she immediately added another training session, at the Australian Open she fought for a win in round 1 and fought in the second round game with a forehand slice up despite a nasty blister on the hitting hand to the end. Some on her team had previously advised her to give up the match, but she said she wanted to play. Respect - and it would be nice if the British media would also show something of it.
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Amanda Anisimova's run , it's so deserved! The American had reached the semi-finals of the French Open in 2019, and in the summer her father died unexpectedly at the age of only 53. Now the 20-year-old is back, winning the Adelaide tournament at the start of the season and also taking out Naomi Osaka at the Australian Open. At her side: Darren Cahill, currently on probation. And hopefully soon permanently.
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