Osaka warns the WTA tour: "Now I think I'm ready to fight".

Adrien Guyot

le 01/01/2025 à 09h14

2 min to read

Auckland Grabher Osaka

Naomi Osaka is off to a good start in 2025. The Japanese player, who entered the Auckland tournament, has qualified for the quarter-finals in New Zealand.

Following her victory over Glushko, the former world number 1 confirmed her position by overcoming Julia Grabher (7-5, 6-3) in the Round of 16.

With the withdrawal of Mertens, the draw has opened up and Osaka, 27, will have to face Hailey Baptiste or Jodie Burrage for a place in the last four.

While we wait to find out who her next opponent will be, the four-time Grand Slam winner gave her impressions after her victory.

"I'd never played her before, so it was difficult to get into the swing of things, especially as she doesn't have the same style of play as the others.

After the break, I was able to concentrate on what I wanted to do, and I think that showed in the second set.

I'm not really a confrontational person, but when you're on the court, it's like a boxing match.

You have to have the will to fight harder than your opponent, and I feel like I've finally rediscovered that ambition", Osaka analyzed on the WTA website.

"I've been saying it for several years now. I'm not the most talented player, but I feel I'm working very hard and that gives me confidence.

But when you have to fight against someone on a court, in the end, it's the one who wants it the most who wins.

Last year, it was really difficult for me to keep this state of mind, and you could feel it in most of my matches.

My level of tennis was there all year round, but it was a question of mentality. Now I think I'm ready to fight."