After Naomi Osaka eased to a 6-4 7-5 victory over Zarina Diyas, she explained in her press conference that she does not think about the fact that the French Open is a clay court tournament because she feels very comfortable at tennis’s biggest events.
“I tend to be better in Grand Slams,” the Japanese said. “And I think I just focus more on the tennis part rather than making up excuses of what the surface is and how my play style isn’t suited for it.”
She continued, “My main priority is always to do really well and play great matches, and I think that that sort of gets rid of the fact that it’s clay court.”
Osaka, 20, was tipped as a future star from an early age and fulfilled some of that promise when she stunned a host of top names on her way to winning the title in Indian Wells in March.
Consequently, there is now more attention on the Japanese wherever she goes, and that has led to a change in routine.
“I’m only here if I have to be, to be honest, if I have a match or something and just to eat lunch,” said Osaka. “Before, when I was younger, I used to love walking around and just experiencing the atmosphere.”
“But now I think of this as my job, so it’s like clocking in and clocking out, but hoping to spend as little time as possible.”
Confidence high for Osaka
One thing that has not changed about Osaka is her relaxed and confident aura. When she was asked which Grand Slam is her favourite, she laughed and said that it was a “mean” question.
“I think my favorite would be the one that I win,” the Japanese. “And the least favorite – I don’t think I’ve played them enough to know. So I would have to play a couple more times and then you can ask me that again.”
She continued, “Hopefully this one (will be my favourite), because I’m here right now.”
If Osaka is going to win at Roland Garros this year, first she will have to beat an excellent player in the third round: Madison Keys.
“The last time I played her was last year in Indian Wells. And, of course, I know how great of a player she is. And I have never beaten her, so there’s that.”
2018 has been a year of firsts for Osaka so far: first Grand Slam fourth round appearance (at the Australian Open), first WTA title, first time in the World’s Top 30 and first appearance at a major as a seeded player (this event). Who would bet against her breaking more new ground with a first-ever victory over Keys?
