Yokohama: Newly-crowned Japan’s Naomi Osaka has refused to criticise Serena Williams after her historic US Open victory was overshadowed by the American’s furious row with the chair umpire.
The 20-year-old melted hearts when she broke down sobbing after thrashing her idol 6-2, 6-4 to become Japan’s first Grand Slam singles champion in New York last weekend.
But after returning here Thursday, Osaka insisted there were no hard feelings towards Serena, who branded umpire Carlos Ramos a ‘thief’.
“For me I don’t feel sad because I wouldn’t even know what I’m expected to feel. I haven’t played any Grand Slam finals before the US,” said Osaka, who has climbed from 19th to seventh in the new world rankings.
“I just thought I shouldn’t have any regrets. Overall I felt really happy and know I accomplished a lot,” added the player.
Osaka, who competes at next week’s Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament here, also revealed her plans to break into the top five this year – and win a shiny gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“I think for this year my immediate goal would be to get to Singapore,” said Osaka after putting herself firmly in contention to reach the season-ending WTA Finals. I want to do well at the Pan Pacific Open and maybe year-end top five – but I’m not putting pressure on myself.”
Osaka also said it is her dream to be at the Tokyo Olympics. “Of course I’m very excited the Olympics will be in Tokyo. It’s every athlete’s dream to play in the Olympics, so of course it would be my goal to win gold,” added Osaka.
For now, however, Osaka is itching to do normal stuff – like catch up with big sister Mari, who is also a professional tennis player, go shopping and eat her favourite matcha ice cream.