US OPEN

August 24, 2024

Naomi Osaka

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Naomi, just start with your thoughts on being back here in New York and at the US Open.

NAOMI OSAKA: Yeah, for me it's a really incredible feeling to be back here. I know the last time I sat here I wasn't playing, so I'm just really grateful to have the opportunity.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. You were describing on social media having this almost out-of-body experience when you have been on the courts recently. Can you tell us a bit more about that and how you're feeling now?

NAOMI OSAKA: Yeah, I don't know if it's because I have never been from, like, clay to grass to clay to hard before, but I just felt like I wasn't being, like, I wasn't able to hit the shots that I know I can hit. That was the most frustrating thing because I felt like I couldn't control the balls the way I wanted to.

For me, I feel way better now. Like, I'm able to practice at a really high level. I hope that I'm able to play matches at a really high level, too.

But I definitely feel like I needed a lot of, like, practice time on hard courts.

Q. On that note, over the years you have kind of posted things of that nature, just the way you're feeling. Does that help you in any way to put those feelings out into the world?

NAOMI OSAKA: I feel like it does help me. I think it gives me clarity, and also, I don't know, lets people know how I'm feeling.

I think, like, I don't really do it as much anymore. But I don't know. It's like speaking your words into the universe and letting them go. After you see it, you're kind of just free from the thoughts that muddle your mind.

Q. Coco was talking yesterday about coming back as the defending champion and the difference in pressure. I wonder how you found it both here and in Australia going back as defending champion and how it's different, different pressures, et cetera.

NAOMI OSAKA: I mean, for me, I always found it a little difficult, obviously. You might want to ask Sabalenka (laughter). She might be a better source.

Yeah, I feel like back then I was so focused on, like, the points dropping off and trying to do the best that I could to defend. I never really thought about it as a new tournament or a new opportunity.

I think now, after a lot of different experiences, my mind has opened up. So I hope that I'm able to win a tournament and then I'll answer your question next time (smiling).

Q. You spoke about feeling better as you have been practicing lately. Does coming here, and it is the first time in a while that you're here to compete, are there feelings from the successes you have had here that are in your mind that help, knowing how well you have played at this particular tournament in the past, the success you have had here?

NAOMI OSAKA: Yeah, actually I would say I made a promise to myself to be as confident as I can in the fact that I am who I am.

I feel like, for me, throughout the year I have had really hard matches, and it kind of dipped my confidence a little. I wouldn't say that I played bad tennis. I just would say that I played really good players, and I also learned a lot.

I do think coming to this specific tournament helps me out. But also, whenever I step foot here, I don't really think about the two tournaments I won. I just think about how I felt when I was a kid, because I did grow up coming here, and I have such vivid memories of watching my favorite players. It's more of a childhood nostalgia that I really enjoy.

Q. Who are those players?

NAOMI OSAKA: Oh, that I watched? Nadal, Serena, Venus, Sharapova. Basically all the famous players that you could name.

Q. What are your observations on how Coco has dealt with the ups and downs after having won here last year? What advice might you give her about building on winning your first major?

NAOMI OSAKA: I'm laughing because I have been telling you guys for years, but I don't think anyone should take advice from me (smiling).

I mean, I would say I think she's doing a great job. Like, she's really consistent. She's No. 2 right now, right? 3? That's still really good.

I don't know. I just really enjoy watching her progress and her process. I feel like everyone's life is their own journey, and it's fun to watch hers.

It's the most, like, basic advice, but yeah, she should just keep going. She's got a really good head on her shoulders.

Q. May I ask a follow-up on an unrelated subject. Your first-round match, what are your thoughts?

NAOMI OSAKA: I like how you say that's an unrelated question (laughter.)

My first-round match... I think it's going to be really fun. She's honestly one of my favorite players to watch. I think we are polar opposites in a way.

Yeah, I respect her a lot. She was the first player in our generation to win a Grand Slam. She's a champion. I'm really looking forward to it.

Q. In terms of, like, I think it was either Cincinnati or Toronto I think you were working with Simone, not just movement coach but a mental coach a little bit. Curious what that is like for you, and what is that dynamic like, how does that work kind of happen? Is it casual just because she's part of the team and you just kind of have conversations or you have sessions? Can you give some insight?

NAOMI OSAKA: It's honestly both. I remember in Cincinnati the day before my qualifying match, I was having a really hard time, and, like, an hour before the match I asked if I could talk to her. We talked it through. Then obviously I was able to win the match, and I felt pretty good after that.

So you know me, I have had these moments where I have kind of had a breakdown on court. I feel like if I didn't talk to her, that might have possibly could have happened again in that moment.

So I'm really grateful for her. We do have, like, journaling sessions. She's actually the one that, like, told me to get my little journal book that I read on court sometimes.

Yeah, it is kind of more casual, but I think it's just 'cause she knows that's the type of person I am.

Q. I have a slightly silly question for you, because I think you and I are both big Pokémon fans. Is there a combination of two types that speak to who you are as a person?

NAOMI OSAKA: Oh, interesting, interesting.

I really, I could sit here and think about this. Have you asked Nick this? Have you asked Nick this because he's a Pokémon fan? I feel like he would give you an immediate answer.

So I think for me I will just tell you two of my favorite Pokémons, and then you can just go off those. I like I'm going to say Charizard. Sorry. I used to be the water version, the turtle, but I think I changed my mind to Charizard.

It was like Pokémon X or Y. You know like the big dragon thing with the red wings, it's like...

Q. On the box?

NAOMI OSAKA: Yeah, that one. That one is my favorite. Okay, that's embarrassing (smiling).

THE MODERATOR: Questions in Japanese.

(Naomi's answers to questions in Japanese.)

NAOMI OSAKA: Yeah, I do remember, like, when I was watching Coco's match last time I was here, I felt very inspired to play again. At that time, I didn't know at what level could I play.

So I think when I got to Australia earlier this year and when I played the French Open, honestly I'm a little shocked sometimes at, like, how well the play is. Like, obviously I want to, like, be in the top 10, and I want to do all these things, but I still, in the back of my mind, remember, like, not being able to run, if that makes sense, or not being able to do a sit-up. Yeah, in some moments I'm really amazed. But I came here with, like, the specific goal of doing the absolute best that I can.

I was watching in the stands last year, and I promised myself, like, this is going to be the tournament where I do the best. Or hopefully here or Japan or during the Asian swing. That's kind of where I put all my energy. I guess we'll see what happens.

Q. (In English) I just want to make sure, you said you're shocked, but in a good way?

NAOMI OSAKA: Yeah, yeah. I hope I wouldn't be shocked in a bad way.

Yeah, I just feel like this year I'm experiencing so many new things. I've definitely played way more tournaments than I have played before. I don't know. It's very interesting because I have had practices here where I feel like I'm getting a lot better, and I realize, like, there are so many things that I can do throughout the year that would make me a better tennis player, and I hope that I can just keep learning that way.