California: Naomi Osaka, who started her Paribas Open title campaign with a win over Kristina Mladenovic, said that she learns more from losses than victories.
“Honestly, it was great that I got to play her again because I was able to learn from the mistakes I did back then, and I was able to apply it, I just learned to be really positive and not give her anything,” Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) quoted Osaka as saying.
Osaka, who was able to win the Australian Open just a few months back, said that she finds it hard to adjust with the people’s expectations. The number one seed further said that it will take time for her to adjust with the pressure of being a top tennis star.
“The media was the biggest thing that was my problem – no offence, guys, I’m sorry, being asked to take photos with fans is still taking some getting used to, especially outside of tournaments – It usually shocks me, because it is sometimes not when I am anticipating it… if I am just walking around in a mall or something, then it just catches me off-guard,” she said.
Osaka also gave insights on how she approaches tough matches and how she deals with formidable volleyers.
“When I see someone at the net, I just start thinking percentages, like, you know, 30% chance they are going to go this way, so might as well go with the higher chance – or she went this way last time, so she might go this way the other time. It feels like the ball stops for a split second while I am thinking about that. Usually, I am able to anticipate it well, but she is one of the best players at the net that I have played, so it was kind of difficult this time around.”
The 21-year-old defeated Mladenovic 6-3, 6-4 in the opening match of her title defence on Saturday(local time).
Osaka, the defending champion, will next take on Danielle Collins in the third-round match of the Paribas Open.
[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]