Naomi Osaka, regardless of dealing with three consecutive defeats since her triumphant return from maternity depart, stays steadfastly optimistic.
The former world No. 1, gearing up for the Qatar Open, expressed her unwavering perception that the one course to go from right here is upward.
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who welcomed her daughter Shai in July, marked her comeback with a victory on the Brisbane International final month after a 15-month hiatus.
However, her journey was halted within the second spherical by Karolina Pliskova.
Despite subsequent setbacks on the Australian Open and Abu Dhabi, the place she suffered early losses towards Caroline Garcia and Danielle Collins, the 26-year-old Japanese athlete emphasised that her confidence stays intact.
“It definitely is hard for me to not be tough on myself, but after Abu Dhabi, I actually have more confidence in myself, which is a little strange,” Osaka advised reporters.
“I really feel like since I’ve seen the worst that may occur, every little thing else is a plus. In Australia, I knew that I stated I used to be solely going to play in Dubai, so I really feel like I’ve to take these tournaments as additional credit score.
“Someone said to me it’s like a very expensive practice, so I don’t know, after they said that I felt pretty optimistic.”
Osaka, who opens her Doha marketing campaign towards fifteenth seed Garcia afterward Monday, stated she most popular to face robust opponents just like the Frenchwoman.
“I learn more from the matches. So of course it’s funny to hear I’m playing her again but I’m a little happy,” Osaka stated.
“She’s always been a really nice person and I know I’m not supposed to think that about my opponent, but I know we also share the same birthday. At the end of the day, a Libran is going to win.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
