After reaching the peak of the world rankings and claiming multiple Grand Slam titles, Naomi Osaka is looking to break new territory once again in 2021.
The world No.3 only managed to play four tournaments last year due to a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and injury issues. Nevertheless, she still managed to enjoy success on the court by winning the US Open for the second time in her career. Elsewhere she also reached the final of the Western and Southern Open and semi-finals in Brisbane. Off the court, she made headlines around the world for her vocal support for the Black Lives Matter movement and was named sportswoman of the year by the Associated Press.
Looking ahead to what the next season has in store for Osaka, a member of her team says she has one specific goal in mind. Yutaka Nakamura, who has been working as a trainer for the three-time Grand Slam winner since June, says there will be a heavy focus on the Olympic Games. Originally set to be held last year, the four-year event has been delayed due to the pandemic.
“Naomi has described her biggest goal in 2021 as doing well in the Tokyo Olympic Games,” Nakamura told The Mainichi newspaper.
“In the remainder of her career, Naomi can likely only compete in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028. She has a limited number of chances, and one of them is in Tokyo. Furthermore, there are four Grand Slam tournaments, and we would like to prepare so that she can perform her best in those events.”
Held in the country she represents, Osaka is bidding to become the first Japanese female tennis player to win an Olympic medal and only the fourth in history. Kei Nishikori won a bronze medal back in 2016. Meanwhile, Ichiya Kumagae won two medals in 1920, including a silver in doubles with Seiichiro Kashio.
Nakamura has also provided some insight into how the former world No.1 approaches her training sessions and why taking days off from playing tennis is a blessing in disguise.
“There might be some people who are afraid to rest, but Naomi isn’t scared in the least. She’s better at taking breaks than Maria Sharapova,” he said.
“During breaks, there are days when Naomi exercises, but she basically stays away from tennis. Based on my experience, players can rest if they have the sense of giving it their all when they practice and play. I don’t force Naomi to “do this and that” like homework when she’s on break. Naomi has created her own rhythm, and I have to give advice when the timing is right.”
“She can endure quite intense exercises in terms of quality and quantity, and train strictly for two hours up to a certain extent. That’s why we have to have her rest when she is on break. It takes some time for players to return to a condition where their body and mind are fresh, so I watch out for the balance between pushing harder and hitting the brakes,” he added.
Forbes Magazine has named Osaka the highest paid female athlete in 2020 with earnings of $37.4M. $34M of her earnings comes from endorsements alone.
The 23-year-old is expected to return to action Australia later this year after opting to not play in Abu Dhabi.
