Osaka: "I feel like I still have a lot to do, like winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon"

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Surprising and encouraging statements have been made by Naomi Osaka before returning to action, once she has overcome the abdominal issues that halted a clear upward trend in her tennis at the beginning of the season. The Japanese player seems excited again about the possibility of achieving significant tennis goals.

Many might think that her best times are behind her, that we will never see that indomitable Naomi Osaka capable of overpowering all her opponents. Her inner fire dimmed, the mental health problems she faced strained her relationship with tennis, and the interruption of her professional career due to pregnancy is a difficult burden to overcome now that she has been competing for over a year. However, the reflections of the Japanese player in a conversation with CNN reignite hope for her return to the top.

"It's funny to hear many people praise me for all I've achieved in such a short time, but I feel I have much more to do; there are still great things I can conquer," admits Osaka, who had to withdraw from the final in Auckland and the third round at the Australian Open due to an abdominal strain. Now, she is preparing to reappear in an exhibition to be held in Las Vegas, serving as a kind of tune-up for the Sunshine Double.

Questioned about the lessons she has learned since becoming a mother, the Japanese player is unequivocal. "I have understood my personality more and realize that I am more patient. I know I can't control everything and I accept that what I must do is give my best, without it guaranteeing success," she warns before mentioning how important it has been for her to openly address her mental health issues, from which she has recovered.

- Osaka talks about mental health, motherhood, and reveals her two main goals before retiring from professional tennis

"I remember that when I was depressed, I felt very lonely and guilty, but finding out that others feel the same as you gives a lot of energy and helps to better understand what is happening to you. That's why I believe we must continue to make progress in addressing these issues," she points out.

Champion at the US Open in 2018 and 2020, as well as at the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, it is striking how Naomi Osaka focuses her main goals and aspirations on two tournaments where she has never advanced beyond the third round. "I have big goals for the future. As long as I can keep competing, my dream is to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon because I want to be one of the players who have completed the Grand Slam, meaning winning the four most important tournaments in the world," she reveals firmly. It will be interesting to see her form and level of play upon her return to the courts.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Osaka: "Siento que tengo mucho por hacer aún, como ganar Roland Garros y Wimbledon"