Naomi Osaka Aims to ‘Play with the Big Dogs’ After Miami Open Victory

Naomi Osaka Determination Shines Through After Miami Open Win

Former world number one, Naomi Osaka, has made it clear that she is ready to return to the top of the tennis world after claiming a hard-fought victory in the first round of the Miami Open. The Japanese tennis star battled through a three-set match to overcome Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva, with a final score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. This marked Osaka’s first win since the second round of the Australian Open in January, signaling a potential comeback after some challenging months on the tour.

After the match, Naomi Osaka shared her desire to “play with the big dogs” again, reflecting her competitive spirit and her ambition to return to the level she once dominated. The win, which took more than two and a half hours, demonstrated her resilience and determination to push forward despite facing several setbacks in recent months.

The victory at the Miami Open comes after Osaka’s disappointing first-round loss at the 2023 Indian Wells, where she described her performance against Camila Osorio as “the worst match I’ve ever played in my life.” Now, with this much-needed victory, Naomi Osaka is focusing on getting back to the top of her game, despite acknowledging that the road to regaining her best form will take time.

Naomi Osaka’s Mental Health Breaks and Comeback Effort

Miami Open: Naomi Osaka beats Yuliia Starodubtseva in three sets

Naomi Osaka’s journey back to form has been a unique one, as she has taken several breaks from the sport to prioritize her mental health. Over the last few years, she has become an advocate for mental health awareness, taking a stand for athletes who often face immense pressure in their careers. These mental health breaks have led to periods of absence from the sport, but Osaka has always returned with the intent to recapture the form that saw her win four Grand Slam titles.

In addition to mental health breaks, Osaka has also taken time off for maternity leave, further adding to her time away from competitive tennis. Despite this, her love for the game remains undiminished, and her desire to “play with the big dogs” again is a clear indication of her determination to challenge herself against the top players in the world. Naomi Osaka’s success at the Miami Open is a testament to her resilience and determination, as she works her way back to the highest levels of tennis.

Her triumph over Starodubtseva at the Miami Open was crucial for Osaka’s confidence. Having not progressed past the third round of a major tournament since her last Grand Slam win at the 2021 Australian Open, this win is a much-needed boost. “I knew that I wasn’t playing too well, but I thought, ‘let me try to stay on the court as long as possible,’” Osaka explained. “Because I consider Miami my home,” she added, emphasizing her connection to the tournament and the importance of performing well in front of familiar fans and surroundings.

Naomi Osaka’s Determination to Improve and Focus on the Process

Naomi Osaka to take a break from playing tennis after 3rd round US Open loss

Naomi Osaka has always been a player driven by a strong sense of competition and ambition. After her recent win, she expressed her eagerness to return to the highest level of tennis, stating, “I want to play with the big dogs so bad, and I just see everyone playing so well, and I want to do the same.” It is clear that Osaka is ready to push herself to match the performances of the top players in the world once again. However, she is also mindful of the fact that achieving her goals will take time and patience. “But I have to remember it’s a process,” she wisely added.

This focus on the process, rather than expecting immediate results, is a crucial mindset for Osaka as she seeks to regain her form. Tennis, particularly at the top level, requires sustained effort and gradual improvement, and Naomi Osaka’s self-awareness about the time it will take to reach her goals is a sign of maturity in her career. After all, tennis can be a mentally and physically demanding sport, and it’s important for players to acknowledge their limitations while working to overcome them.

Following her loss at Indian Wells, where she acknowledged that her performance had been subpar, Osaka made a conscious effort to adjust her game. “At Indian Wells, I was just over-hitting a lot, so I tried to use my legs,” she shared. “I was going to run into every corner if I had to, and we were going to have to play for three hours if she was going to beat me.” This mindset of fighting through long rallies and using her athleticism to outlast her opponent is one of the reasons why Osaka is such a formidable force on the court.

The fact that she was able to take this approach in her match against Starodubtseva shows that she is working on fine-tuning her game to fit her physical strengths, rather than just relying on raw power. This shift in her strategy is crucial as she looks to regain her spot among the top players in the world.

Naomi Osaka’s Mental Strength: A Key to Her Success

Naomi Osaka: Naomi Osaka weighs another break from tennis after US Open loss

One of the most remarkable aspects of Naomi Osaka’s game is her mental strength. While many players might have been shaken by her first-round loss at Indian Wells, Osaka’s determination to continue fighting through challenges is what sets her apart from other athletes. Mental fortitude is often what separates the top players from the rest of the field, and it is clear that Osaka possesses that quality in abundance.

Despite the disappointment she felt after her loss in California, Naomi Osaka was able to bounce back quickly and focus on the task at hand. In her victory over Starodubtseva, Osaka showed that she is capable of maintaining her composure under pressure, even when the match seemed to be slipping away from her in the early stages. Her ability to remain focused and recalibrate her game midway through the match was indicative of the mental resilience she has developed over the years.

The combination of mental strength, physical ability, and tactical awareness is what makes Naomi Osaka such a dangerous player on the WTA tour. If she continues to build on her recent success at the Miami Open, there’s no doubt that she will be back in contention for more titles in the near future.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Naomi Osaka?

As Naomi Osaka moves forward from her win at the Miami Open, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether she can regain her place at the top of the tennis rankings. The road ahead may not always be smooth, but her commitment to the process and her desire to “play with the big dogs” suggests that she is prepared to give it her all. With the right mindset, focus, and determination, Naomi Osaka will continue to be one of the most formidable and exciting players on the tour.

For now, Osaka’s victory in Miami has served as a reminder of her incredible talent and mental resilience. She has proven that she still has what it takes to compete with the best in the world, and her journey back to the top will be something tennis fans continue to watch with great interest.

In conclusion, Naomi Osaka‘s performance at the Miami Open marks the beginning of what could be a promising return to form. As she continues to navigate the ups and downs of her career, her resilience and desire to compete at the highest level will undoubtedly serve her well as she works toward her next big achievement in tennis.