‘I’ll never be satisfied if I do that’ reflects Naomi Osaka on outlook troubles

Four-time Slam champion Naomi Osaka is avoiding comparing herself to her past achievements as she looks to remain calm and focused at the Australian Open.

The former world number one continued the defence of her 2021 Australian Open title by overcoming American Madison Brengle 6-0, 6-4.

While Naomi Osaka has a thoroughly impressive record in Melbourne with two titles and a win-loss record of 24-4, the Japanese star wants to keep a level head and not compare now to the past.

“Honestly I’m trying not to do that,” the world number 13 responded when asked by Jim Courier how she would rate her level after being away from the court.

“I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I feel like if I compare myself to the past then I’ll never be satisfied.

“I’m trying to just take it one day at a time.

“The goal for me is just to have fun and I’m really grateful for my team because I think we’re accomplishing that.”

 

In 2021, Osaka publicly, and privately, struggled to deal with underperforming compared to the incredibly high standards that come with being a four-time Major winner.

After ending her season early at the US Open, the 24-year-old did not play for the rest of the year before returning at the Melbourne Summer Set at the start of January.

She won three matches there before withdrawing in the semi-finals, giving her more than a week of rest from match play before the Australian Open began.

Osaka will face another American in the next round, 20-year-old Amanda Anisimova, as she looks to extend her Australian Open winning streak to 10.

? Read >> Breaking tennis news

? Follow >> 24/7 LIVE scores

? Free >> Receive our legendary newsletter

? Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club

? Social >>Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

? Order >> World’s best tennis magazine

? Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted retail partner