- Naomi Osaka is optimistic despite 3 straight losses.
- She will face Garcia again in Doha.
- She expects to learn more from tough matches.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner who welcomed her daughter Shai in July, celebrated a win in her first match after a 15-month hiatus at the Brisbane International last month. However, she was defeated by Karolina Pliskova in the second round.
She also faced first-round defeats at both the Australian Open and Abu Dhabi, losing to Caroline Garcia and Danielle Collins.
“It definitely is hard for me to not be tough on myself, but after Abu Dhabi I actually have more confidence in myself, which is a little strange,” Osaka shared with the press.
"I feel like since I have seen the worst that can happen, everything else is a plus. In Australia I knew that I said I was only going to play in Dubai, so I feel like I have to take these tournaments as extra credit.
“Someone said to me it’s like a very expensive practice, so I don’t know, after they said that I felt pretty optimistic.”
Osaka, who is set to begin her Doha campaign against 15th seed Garcia later on Monday, expressed her eagerness to face challenging opponents like the French player.
“I learn more from the matches. So of course it’s funny to hear I’m playing her again but I’m a little happy,” Osaka commented.
“She’s always been a really nice person and I know I’m not supposed to think that about my opponent, but I know we also share the same birthday. At the end of the day, a Libran is going to win.”
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