Osaka advances to the second round in Miami: "I’ve reached a physical condition I haven’t had since my pregnancy"

Naomi Osaka qualified on Tuesday for the second round of the WTA 1000 in Miami. The Japanese player took a set and a half to truly find her rhythm in the match against Yuliia Starodubtseva (3-6, 6-4, 6-3), but the four-time Grand Slam champion eventually secured the win against the Ukrainian.

A finalist in Auckland earlier this season, the former world number 1 saw her start to the year disrupted by an abdominal injury. In a press conference after her victory, Osaka, who will face Liudmila Samsonova in her next match, shared her thoughts.

"When I reach a maximum level of focus, I completely forget what’s happening on the court; I’m in a bubble. My coach (Patrick Mouratoglou) told me I saved a ball at 5-2 in the second set, and I didn’t even know it.

I try to play every point as if it’s the most important of the match when I’m in that state. What I’m most proud of is my movement on the court and the energy I showed during the match.

It’s been a long time since I’ve had such strong footing, and I think I’ve reached a physical condition I haven’t experienced since my pregnancy.

Now, what I need to do is manage my nerves. I’m so eager to play well and compete against great players that the buildup of nerves during certain matches can lead to injuries.

I need to understand that I’m still in a process and that I have to be patient. It’s been very difficult for me to recover from pregnancy; I see myself at about 75% of my abilities.

Many people find it curious, but the truth is I never watch my matches on TV; I feel ashamed of myself when I see myself playing tennis," Osaka told Punto De Break.