© Getty Images Sport – Darrian Traynor
Naomi Osaka underlines nothing has changed in her Grand Slam aspirations as the four-time Grand Slam champion stands by her statement that she hopes to win at least eight more Majors before walking away from pro tennis.
During her pregnancy last year, Osaka told a Japanese journalist that she would be aiming to win at least eight more Grand Slams and also return to the world No. 1 spot. After playing two comeback tournaments in Australia in January, Osaka is set for her third tournament back at this week’s Abu Dhabi Open.
Ahead of her Abu Dhabi debut, Osaka spoke with Reem Abulleil of The National and revealed that not doing well in Australia – where she lost in the Brisbane International round-of-16 before losing in the Australian Open first-round – motivated her to sign up for Abu Dhabi and try to bounce back in the United Arab Emirates. During their conversation, Abulleil asked Osaka about her Grand Slam statement from last year.
“I definitely still feel that way,” Osaka told The National. “Australia gave me a little bit of self-doubt, just because I wish I could have played more matches and I always do really well in Australia. So it was a bit of a harsh reality.
“But I still think my level is improving…
