Novak Djokovic has been mentioned in every tennis-related discussion since winning his 24th major. His US Open win at the age of 36 is one of the reasons why he is regarded as the GOAT. Naomi Osaka spoke about Djokovic’s legacy on tour. She also showed respect to Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova for their ability to stay focused in every match.
Osaka was asked about her favorite players during a Q and A session on Instagram. Serena Williams had inspired her since childhood. Osaka mentioned that she learned to appreciate Djokovic as she grew up. She said, “Honestly as I grew up I really learned to appreciate Novak a lot more. Purely as a tennis player, this man is unbelievable lol.” Osaka was also present at this year’s US Open.
The former world No.1 has already started her preparations on the court. Osaka became a mother for the first time in July. She was happy to share the news alongside her boyfriend, Cordae. The couple has been busy with their daughter, Shai, as they set foot in the parenthood phase. The 25-year-old is most likely to be on the court from January.
Naomi Osaka reunites with former coach for 2024 return
The 2024 season will see the return of Osaka on the tour. The two-time Australian Open champion had said about making a busy schedule next season. It has been more than a year since Osaka played a match. It will be a 23rd appearance at a grand slam if she manages to play at the 2024 Australian Open. The Japanese player, for the first in her career, did not play a single grand slam in a season this time.
Zheng Qinwen revealed her coach Wim Fissette has ended their partnership to resume coaching 4-time major champ Naomi Osaka 👀 pic.twitter.com/I97JKors9m
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) September 29, 2023
Osaka has started making up plans for her comeback as she made changes in the coaching staff. She is back with her former coach, Wim Fissette. It created controversy as Fissette was the coach of Zheng Qinwen, who had said that he broke the contract by leaving her all of a sudden. Osaka has not commented on the issue, and interestingly, her last complete match win on tour was over Qinwen at San Jose.
The recent coaching changes indicate that the four-time grand slam champion is planning something big. Osaka’s last grand slam win came at the 2022 Australian Open and will hope her next win also comes at the same event.
