At Wimbledon, Osaka aims to surprise her world: "I have a talent for grass"

Naomi Osaka has never been a grass-court specialist. Embarking on a comeback at the highest level, the former world No. 1 wants to believe in her ability to compete with the best players on the planet, including on grass.

Interviewed following her inaugural victory over Diane Parry (6-1, 1-6, 6-4), Osaka explains that she wants to believe in her chances and even confesses to having discussed the matter with a certain Novak Djokovic: "I think that if I hadn't played against Iga, I could have gone far in Paris. I just need a bit of luck. I lost the first round in Berlin, but I've learned a lot.

I feel pretty good about myself. People tell me I've got talent for grass.

I tried sliding on grass. I asked Novak (Djokovic) how he did it. I tried a few times, but it was scary. I think I should wait until the grass gets a bit browner.

But he told me that even if he fell, he'd keep getting up and doing it. He told me I had to get over the fear of hurting myself."