Swept away in the Miami final by the new world number one Iga Swiatek, the Japanese wanted to be positive.
«I can remember a lot of positive things“said Naomi Osaka on Saturday, despite her defeat in the final of the WTA 1000 in Miami, where she made her return to the fore, after a difficult year on the psychological level. “I always wanted to win this tournament, so I feel sad. But I think I can take away a lot of positive thingsSaid the Japanese after her 6-4, 6-0 defeat against Poland’s Iga Swiatek, who will become world No.1 on Monday.
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Osaka, who has occupied this throne in the past before falling to 77th place, seems to see the end of the tunnel after the dark period in recent months, where she has experienced several episodes of distress on the courts. Warmly given a standing ovation by the public after the match, Osaka admitted that the tears had risen. “It almost made me cry, but I don’t want to cry in public anymore. So I held back. I feel like people were happy to see me play again or just to see me happy».
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The Japanese, who has been undergoing therapy for several weeks, said she is already feeling the benefits. “I’m not as disappointed as I could be after such a loss. Normally I would cry in the locker room, but now I can be a little more relaxed“, she assured. “I guess it’s also the experience of life. A few days ago, I was celebrating my return to the top 50 (from Monday, editor’s note). Since I don’t want to take anything for granted anymore, I want to keep working to become a better player and a better person.“, she added.
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The 24-year-old Japanese does not want to stop on such a good path, which will take her to Europe in the coming weeks. “I will try to take this clay season very seriously, my next tournament will be in Madrid“, she announced, adding to want”watch a lot of videos of Rafael Nadal to see how he moves». «My goal is to be seeded at Roland Garros. And by the end of the year, I would like to be in the top 10. Then become N.1 again next year, or let’s say in the top 5… No go N.1! It feels good to run after something, I missed itshe smiled.