'They’re playing incredible tennis,' Naomi Osaka hails Iga Swiatek & Aryna Sabalenka for taking tennis to a level she was never at, even at her best

Ahead of her first match match, Osaka was asked about her level compared to that of Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka’s. Honest and respectful as always, she praised the two for taking women’s tennis to a level and consistency that even she had not managed to reach.

I mean, I feel like you would have to tell me that. I think that's kind of more of an outside perspective. For me, I'm so focused on what I'm doing. And I know, like, they're playing incredible tennis and they're doing it almost always. And I was never the type of player to do that, anyways. So I'm looking at them as an inspiration, and I don't know. This part of my journey, I'm not really comparing myself right now. Maybe later when I get more confident and towards the level that I want, maybe on hard court I can start doing that, but as of right now, I really feel like I'm really just kind of learning again. Naomi Osaka told the reporters

This indicated that the tennis that is displayed by Swiatek and Sabalenka is inspirational enough to motivate and teach even someone who is as accomplished as herself.

Naomi Osaka to face Italian Lucia Bronzetti as she begins her French Open 2024 journey

The four-time grand slam champion and former world number one, Naomi Osaka, is set to play in this year’s French Open, after missing the 2023 edition. Draws and schedules for the tournament were announced earlier this week, and Osaka will be playing her first match on Sunday against Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti.

Despite the two players currently being unseeded, their match will be held in the center court, the Philippe Chatrier Court, owing to Osaka’s glittered career. The two players have never faced each other in an official tournament and this will be their first battle.

Osaka seems to be the favorite to win the match, but it remains uncertain given her recent results. She would be hoping her vast experience playing big matches can carry her through the first few rounds of the tournament.