26YO Naomi Osaka may be a tennis icon but her parents struggled to help her get where she is today. How to be courageous at difficult times and cherish every little moment of her life was something the Japanese star had to learn. Osaka’s discipline and humble nature on and off the court make her a fan favorite. And she fully credits her parents for an upbringing that focused on positive traits right from her childhood. 

The Brisbane International saw her make a successful comeback to the court after a 15-month break from tennis, during which she gave birth to her daughter Shai, in June last year. And, what a glorious return it was! The new mom’s first post-match interview left a 72-year-old Australian former tennis player in awe of her personality.

John Alexander lauds Naomi Osaka as ‘extraordinary’ for her age

Just before the start of the Brisbane International, the Japanese star admitted she felt unsure about facing up against her opponents, doubting the chances of a successful comeback. But being Naomi Osaka, she made a successful return and did it in style by clinching a thumping victory over her German opponent, Tamara Korpatsch, by a 6-3, 7-6(9) margin. In the post-match interview, Osaka thanked the crowd for their constant support and revealed the changes that came to her life after becoming a mother.

Aussie tennis legend John Alexander was all admiration for her personality, “It’s extraordinary for such a young woman to have incredible insights. And one of the comments that I made that I thought was really endearing was that when she was at her best before her break. And, the birth of the child in July. She said that she didn’t think she returned the love and after her win in Brisbane, her first win in Brisbane.”

He continued, “She was so grateful and gracious in demonstrating how much she enjoyed being there playing and receiving the warmth that she did. So, I think she’s got a great future.”

However, the fairytale run at the Brisbane didn’t last too long. Her journey was cut short by the former no. from the Czech Republic- Karolína Plískova. The 31YO came back from a set down to defeat Osaka by s 3-6,7-6(4),6-4 margin in a marathon 2 hour 49 minutes clash in the second round of the Brisbane International. So, what’s next for the Japanese tennis superstar?

Despite the loss, Naomi Osaka is optimistic about what’s ahead in 2024

Although Naomi Osaka made an early exit from Brisbane, she feels these two matches have given her enough confidence to be optimistic and work harder for what’s ahead of her this season, as she said in a post-match interview. Osaka will now head to Melbourne to give her last touch in her preparation for the first Grand Slam event of the season. The 4x champion will also be taking part in a charity match in Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday.

Can she make a comeback winning her 5th Grand Slam in the first month of her comeback season? Well, the Australian Open has been a happy hunting ground for the 26YO Japanese. She has won 2 out of her 4 Grand Slams here. Osaka got a protected ranking of number 46. This has secured her direct entry into the main draw of the Melbourne mega event. Is she among your picks for 2024 AO?

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