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Japan’s Osaka has ‘no regrets’ over chaotic US Open final
YOKOHAMA, Japan, Sept 13, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – 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.
Japanese tennis legend Kimiko Date told AFP it made her “heart ache” to see
Osaka reduced to tears and unable to savour her moment of glory.
But after returning to Japan on Thursday, Osaka insisted there were no hard
feelings towards Williams, who branded umpire Carlos Ramos a “thief” in an
astonishing tantrum triggered by a code violation for coaching that
culminated in a docked game.
“For me I don’t feel sad because I wouldn’t even know what I’m expected to
feel,” said Osaka, who has climbed from 19th to seventh in the new world
rankings.
“I don’t think I even thought about feeling sad because there’s no
experience for me to draw on in any other Grand Slam final,” she added.
“I just thought I shouldn’t have any regrets. Overall I felt really happy
and know I accomplished a lot.”
Osaka, who competes at next week’s Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, 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. For now I’m just sort of riding the
wave.”
“Of course I’m very excited the Olympics are going to be held in Tokyo,”
added Osaka, who is of Haitian-Japanese descent and was raised in the United
States.
“It’s every athlete’s dream to play in the Olympics, so of course it would
be my goal to win gold.”
Date, a former world number four, has tipped Osaka to become Japan’s first
tennis number one.
But for now 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.
“I guess I’d like to hang out with my sister — I haven’t seen her since
Wimbledon,” said Osaka, who has become an unlikely hero in a country still
reeling after a summer of deadly typhoons and earthquakes.
“The Pan Pacific is so close and I have to be on a diet for my matches, so
maybe afterwards for the ice cream.”
Asked how she felt about being a role model for young children, Osaka gave
mixed signals.
“I’ve always thought Kei (Nishikori) was a super good role model and
hopefully I can be that too,” she said. “But don’t look up to me, because I
don’t want that responsibility!”
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1032 hrs