‘Never Going to Cry Again’: Naomi Osaka Reveals Her Goals for 2022 After Returning From Long Hiatus

4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is back to competitive tennis. After she exited the tour and took an indefinite break citing mental health concerns after the US Open, things looked grim for the 24-year-old.

In fact, Osaka had even broken down into tears at a press conference last year. She had shared how playing and winning no longer made her happy. Now, she has returned to the sport and already won her first singles match in Melbourne during the buildup to the Australian Open.

Naomi Osaka has revised goals for the 2022 season

After winning her singles match against French star Alize Cornet in Melbourne, Naomi Osaka gave her first presser in a long time. Her sabbatical is finally over, and so is the fans’ wait to watch Osaka hit the courts.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 30. Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates against Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic during their Women’s Singles first round match on Day One of the 2021 US Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2021 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

This time, Osaka looked back on her hiatus and eventual return to the sport. Furthermore, she also talked about her realizations from introspection that she came across as well.

“I’m the type of person who cared a little bit too much about the results and the ranking and stuff like that,” Osaka shared. However, all of that has changed as Osaka has new plans for the upcoming year.

Naomi Osaka: I’m the type of person that cared a little bit too much about the results and the ranking and stuff like that. And I just need to find a way to enjoy the game again because that’s the reason why I was playing in the first place. pic.twitter.com/hPNxEepBag

— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) January 4, 2022

She revealed that she only has one goal on her mind going forward, which has nothing to do with results or matches. “I want to feel like every time I step on the court- I’m having fun,” she expressed.

ALSO READ: ‘Decompressing The Pressure’: Naomi Osaka Reveals How Friends Helped Her Love Tennis Again

This way, Osaka continued, she can walk off the court having given her best, regardless of the result of the match itself.

Osaka has another goal for the press room

Referring to her breakdown during a press conference last year, Naomi Osaka also mentions a new personal goal exclusively for the press room.This year, Naomi Osaka wants to ensure that she never cries during a press conference again. “Hopefully that worksout in my favor,” she says as she outlines her aims this year.

First w of year 22 pic.twitter.com/L30kd4Yp9c

— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) January 4, 2022

“I just need to find a way to enjoy the game again,” Osaka shares. “That’s the reason I was playing in the first place,” she states.

Clearly, Naomi Osaka has figured out what’s most important for her as a tennis player. Moreover, she has also gained a lot of perspective during her hiatus. Do you think Naomi can go all the way in the Australian Open 2022?

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