The return of Naomi Osaka to the hard courts of North America has sparked tremendous excitement, as the former world No. 1 expresses her joy in a unique and entertaining manner. Osaka, known for her candid nature, likened her feelings upon stepping onto her favorite surface to that of the iconic Japanese animated character, Sailor Moon.
“It’s like I transformed into Sailor Moon as soon as my foot touched the hard court,” Osaka shared during a pre-tournament press conference in Toronto. The comparison was not only endearing but also highlighted Osaka’s genuine enthusiasm for playing on hard courts once again.
Having taken a break to focus on playing more on clay and grass earlier in the year, Osaka’s return to the hard-court swing is eagerly anticipated. Her last hard-court tournament was in March, and fans are eager to see her back in top form as she gears up for the upcoming tournament in Toronto.
Osaka’s success on hard courts is undeniable, with all seven of her titles coming on this surface. With two Australian Open and two US Open titles under her belt, Osaka is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with on hard courts.
However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for Osaka in recent months. Following her appearances on the grass courts, she set her sights on the Paris Olympics in hopes of securing her first medal. Unfortunately, her dreams were dashed when she was defeated by Angelique Kerber in the first round at Roland Garros.
Despite the setbacks, Osaka remains optimistic and determined as she looks forward to the North American hard-court swing. Her infectious energy and unique analogy to Sailor Moon showcase her unwavering passion for the sport and her excitement at returning to her favorite surface. Tennis fans around the world eagerly await Osaka’s return to competitive action as she continues to make a mark on the tennis world.
