Connect with us

News

Naomi Osaka: “My family will always be my number one influence”

Published

on

Naomi Osaka & Serena Williams

Like many other players, the 23-year-old Naomi Osaka didn’t play much tennis in 2020. The Japanese entered only four tournaments and saved the season after winning the US Open crown, lifting the third title from the last eight Majors!

Osaka is currently preparing for the new season in Adelaide, setting eyes on regaining the Australian Open title after losing it to Sofia Kenin 12 months ago.

Speaking about her role modes, Naomi mentioned her family and Serena Williams, praising the 23-time Major champion and everything she has achieved.

Naomi, Serena and Venus

Naomi and Serena played thrice in 2018 and 2019, with the youngster winning two matches. Naomi ousted Serena in Miami round-one in 2018 and that controversial US Open final six months later.

Williams grabbed her only victory in Toronto 2019, beating Naomi in straight sets before retiring to Bianca Andreescu in the title clash.

As we already said, Osaka competed at only a couple of tournaments in 2020, losing in the Brisbane semi-final and the Australian Open third round to inspired Cori Gauff.

Naomi and Serena

Following a terrible Fed Cup loss to Sara Sorribes Tormo in February, Naomi had enough time to work on her game, with the coronavirus putting the entire season under the ice until August.

Returning to the court in New York, Osaka reached the final of the Premier 5 event in Cincinnati, battling past Karolina Muchova and Anett Kontaveit before giving Victoria Azarenka a walkover due to an injury.

Naomi Osaka said that Serena Williams is among her role models

Naomi Osaka lifting US Open tropy with the runner up winner Serena Williams

Competing on the same courts a week later, Osaka took down Misaki Doi and Marta Kostyuk to reach the US Open fourth round, playing on a high level against Anett Kontaveit and Shelby Rogers and advancing into the last four.

There, the Japanese battled past Jennifer Brady in three sets for the second US Open final in three years, with Victoria Azarenka waiting on the other side of the court, like in Cincinnati. Osaka scored a 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 triumph in an hour and 53 minutes, overcoming a slow start to lift the second crown in New York in three years.

Naomi Osaka & Serena Williams

“I’m someone who grew up playing tennis and wanted to become good enough to play on a global scale, and somehow, I did it.

My family will always be my number one influence, and I really admire Serena Williams. I have quite a few role models, actually.

Having many role models is great because you can draw traits from each of them and build your own ideal,” Naomi Osaka said.

Advertisement

Recent Posts

Serena Williams dazzles on party Serena Williams dazzles on party
News10 months ago

Look at Six Serena Williams’s private photos that dazzled everyone…. looking provoking

  Serena Williams made one of the most common fashion blunders last night when she flashed her underwear when climbing...

Serena Williams walks red carpet at King Richard Premiere Serena Williams walks red carpet at King Richard Premiere
Celebrity10 months ago

For The Sake Of Sex: Serena Williams drops panties and gets people talking…

  Let’s talk about sex: More specifically Serena Williams’ sex life. The video below is Serena Williams wearing a butt-bearing...

Serena Williams who have dated her Serena Williams who have dated her
News10 months ago

Serena Williams: 14 eye-popping killer body pictures you can’t stop looking at

  Serena Williams looks incredible in a colourful swimsuit as she jumps into the water and cosies up to husband...

Serena Williams shows off her butt in a new Bikini photo Serena Williams shows off her butt in a new Bikini photo
Celebrity10 months ago

12 Serena Williams’ incredible powerhouse swimsuit pictures you can’t stop looking at

  Serena Williams looks incredible in a colourful swimsuit as she jumps into the water and cosies up to husband...

Venus Williams is pictured at wedding Venus Williams is pictured at wedding
Celebrity10 months ago

Venus Williams || Six private photos that dazzled everyone and got fans talking

  As for her biggest role models, Serena Williams says she really doesn’t have to look beyond her own mother...

Serena Williams Shreds Tennis Star Surfing Serena Williams Shreds Tennis Star Surfing
News10 months ago

Serena Williams posts Six private photos: Everyone is talking about

  Serena Williams is one of the top athletes in the world. But the Los Angeles native still likes to...

Serena Williams Soaks Up the Sun in Croatia photo Serena Williams Soaks Up the Sun in Croatia photo
News10 months ago

Serena Williams posts 8 provoking bikini pictures and got fans talking

  The 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams looks fine, sweet and sexy once she wore a bikini on holidays...

Serena Williams’ overwhelming photos everyone talks about Serena Williams’ overwhelming photos everyone talks about
Celebrity10 months ago

17 overwhelming pictures Of Serena Williams we can’t stop looking at…

  Tennis legend Serena Williams is rewarding herself with some fun in the sun following an extremely action-packed schedules in...

Venus Williams wedding pics, Venus Williams wedding pics,
News10 months ago

In Photos: Tennis Superstar Venus Williams tie Knot with Boyfriend

  Legendary athlete Venus Williams is commonly regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time. And while...

Rapper Sean Kingston talks tennis star Serena Williams Rapper Sean Kingston talks tennis star Serena Williams
News10 months ago

“Serena Williams and I had several Exhausting Marathon S*x and I still miss her s*x… “She just knows how to do it very well,” — Sean Kingston opens up

  Sean Kingston has finally revealed the truth about what really happened between him and Serena Williams having Exhausting Marathon...

Advertisement

Copyright © 2017