Naomi Osaka suggests she may watch ATP star for shot-making tips

Naomi Osaka is considering learning some tricks from ATP star Carlos Alcaraz as she seeks to recapture her best hitting on court. 

The four-time Major champion has gone out of the US Open in the first round to Danielle Collins, meaning she will end a season without a Slam title for the first time since 2017.

Naomi Osaka has been struggling both on and off court mentally and physically for over a year now, with her ability to hit big one of many aspects of her game that has been lacking in that time, as well as a feeling of joy in competition.

“I think for me, when I think about having fun, it’s like I don’t feel restrained,” she explained in her post-match press conference. “Lately I felt really restrained. I’m not really sure why. I’m beginning to feel like I can’t hit the shots that I know I can, like especially on my forehand.

“I don’t know if it’s a matter of practising more or something like that. I just don’t have the same feeling. So maybe I need to watch like Alcaraz or someone that’s really good at hitting forehands.”

After a breakthrough year in 2021, Alcaraz has risen to number four in the world while still aged just 19. Osaka, 24, could use a fearless spark in her game, something that could bring the enjoyment back into her play.

“I would just say being able to be confident in my shots is what makes it’s fun for me,” she continued. “For me [today], I feel like there’s a lot of things I could have done better, but I think I could have returned a lot better.”

 

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