Naomi Osaka is finding positives despite the disappointment of losing in the first round of the 2024 Australian Open.
The first Grand Slam of the year was just the second tournament back for Osaka. The four-time Grand Slam champion previously played in Brisbane, where she fell in the second round to Karolina Pliskova.
The Japanese star drew Caroline Garcia in a blockbuster clash in Melbourne. Unfortunately for her fans, Garcia overpowered Osaka to win, although the level of both players was superb throughout the contest.
The two-time champion in Melbourne sets high standards for herself, and Osaka admitted she was “delusional” enough to think that lifting the title at the Australian Open was possible.
Osaka’s high level so soon into her comeback still received praise. Nonetheless, it did not stop Martina Navratilova from criticizing Osaka for not being fit enough, despite how early she was into her return.
Now, Osaka has released a statement on her Instagram page. She began by saying how thankful she felt after her time in Melbourne.
“I have to say I’m extremely thankful. I remember last year I wished I had an opportunity to play again on Rod Laver Arena and this year that happened so one of my dreams already came true.”
Osaka is already a legend of the sport, and unsurprisingly her high standards meant she found the loss tough.
“Currently however my entire being is so disappointed with my result, the standards I set myself are so incredibly high.”
However, Osaka still has a strong understanding of where she is coming from. She is aware that getting straight back to the incredible level she was at will require more hard work going forward.
“I try to remind myself that I was pregnant 6 months ago and I can’t expect amazing results from the jump- that doesn’t really do much to quell my thoughts though.”
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