Australian Open: Naomi Osaka - A winner to be remembered
Naomi Osaka secured the fourth Grand Slam title of her career in Melbourne. But the 23-year-old has not only developed into a role model in the recent past.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Feb 20, 2021, 04:30 pm
"My attitude is that people don't remember the finalists," Naomi Osaka said before the Australian Open final against Jennifer Brady. The Japanese had played three major finals before the final in Melbourne, and she won the trophy just as often afterwards.
The fourth Grand Slam final for Osaka should be at the Australian Open 2021, and again the 23-year-old should more than withstand the pressure. Although she didn't find her usual powerful power tennis against Brady, especially in the first set, Osaka never really left any doubts about the outcome of the match this Saturday.
Osaka is active off the field
And that although she was extremely nervous before the match, Osaka said. "Why was I so nervous? Ask my nerves. For me, every opportunity to win a slam is maybe too much pressure. But the result is okay, so it fits," said the Japanese at the final press conference.
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But not only on the tennis courts of the world, but especially off them, Osaka made a big leap compared to their premiere triumph at the US Open 2018. Last year she drew attention to the "Black Lives Matter Movement" at the US Open, now Osaka wants to inspire women and future generations by investing in women's football franchises .
Osaka is aiming for titles in Paris
"I've found that a burden in the past. I was scared and nervous. Over the years, I realized that I could only be myself," said Osaka when asked about her role model. "As a person, I'm still growing."
As a player, however, Osaka is almost fully developed. Although she will "only" be in second place in the world from Monday, the 23-year-old has long been the undisputed number one in women's tennis. And the four-time major winner has no intention of relinquishing this status in the near future: "The next Grand Slam tournament [I will hopefully win] on clay. Because this is the next."
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