Naomi Osaka has nothing but admiration for Aryna Sabalenka, the champion of the 2024 Australian Open. Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka (via Imago) The two-time Australian Open winner expressed her praise for Sabalenka, who secured her second title at the Australian Open. Starting the year as the World No. 2, the Belarusian moved closer to the top spot as she remained undefeated throughout the tournament. Sabalenka’s remarkable performance in successfully defending her title without dropping a set placed her among the elite group of players who have achieved this feat.
This monumental accomplishment garnered recognition from various individuals, including former Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka. Osaka celebrated Sabalenka’s success and acknowledged the noticeable change in her demeanor, describing her as a joyful and confident competitor.
Naomi Osaka on Aryna Sabalenka: Since returning to the tour, I have noticed a significant difference in her energy. She appears more cheerful, and it’s inspiring to witness her transformation.
Aryna Sabalenka was previously known for her vocal expressions on the court. However, the 25-year-old now frequently displays a wide smile. Her enjoyment, both on and off the court, seems to positively impact her tennis performance, a quality that has been recognized and appreciated by players like Osaka.
Japanese star Naomi Osaka specifically noticed Aryna Sabalenka’s outstanding performance upon her return to the tour, highlighting her victory in the 2024 Australian Open.
Sabalenka’s journey from early exits in her first 12 Grand Slam tournaments to becoming a two-time Australian Open champion has impressed Osaka. Another player who caught Osaka’s attention was [player name]. Osaka discussed this Italian player with her coaches, commending him for bringing pride to his country by winning a Grand Slam title.
After an exceptional performance at the Australian Open, [player name] became the third Italian player to claim this prestigious title. He achieved this remarkable feat by defeating three top 5 players, [player names], to secure the victory.
Currently, [player name] is determined to regain her No. 1 ranking. However, she faced setbacks with early exits from consecutive tournaments, including a first-round loss at the Abu Dhabi Open. Despite showcasing impressive service speeds during her match against [opponent’s name], Osaka suffered a straight-set defeat.
Throughout the match, Osaka delivered a total of 7 aces, but it was insufficient to overcome her American opponent, who excelled in serve points and accurate returns. With an entire year ahead of her, Osaka aims to make a significant impact on the WTA Tour.
In Case You Missed It: