Naomi Osaka did not have the campaign she expected when she reached Paris for the Olympics. She was knocked out from the very first round by Germany’s former World No.1 Angelique Kerber in straight sets 7-5, 6-3.
She is now playing at the Canadian Open. Ahead of her first-round match against Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, Osaka revealed she had been watching World No.1 Iga Swiatek‘s training in Paris.
I was stalking Iga. I was watching her practice at the Olympics, and for me, that's something I want to do more, watch the great players because there's always something I can pick up on.Naomi Osaka told reporters
Although Osaka had a disappointing run at the Olympics, Swiatek, the heavy favorite, suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the semifinals. China’s Qinwen Zheng, who later went on to claim the gold, beat the Pole in straight sets 6-2, 7-5. Swiatek later clashed with Slovakia’s Anna Karolina Schmiedlova to clinch the bronze, becoming the first tennis player from Poland to win an Olympic medal.
Osaka and Swiatek have locked horns with each other three times, with the latter leading the head-to-head meetings 2-1. Their previous encounter was at the 2024 French Open second round where the 23-year-old was on the verge of losing. But she won the match and eventually the final to win her fourth Roland Garros title.
Naomi Osaka reveals her experience after playing at Paris Olympics
Naomi Osaka is from Japan, so when the previous Olympic Games were held in Tokyo, there was extra pressure on the 26-year-old’s shoulders. Osaka, who also lit the Olympic cauldron, revealed in several interviews how stressed she was all the time. Ahead of her first match at the Canadian Open, Osaka admitted that playing in Paris was altogether a different experience for her.
I would say in Tokyo, I was definitely really stressed. In Paris, I felt a lot more fun. And obviously, there were spectators there, so it was a lot different. But I didn't stay in the village, so that is something that I regret a little bit not having the full experience. Overall, I think it was fun. Hopefully, I can play in LA.Naomi Osaka said at the press conference
Osaka played the singles in the Tokyo Games and reached the third round. She hasn’t yet featured in any doubles events at the Olympics.
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