July 03, (THEWILL) – Naomi Osaka, the former world number one, has turned her attention to the upcoming Paris Olympics following an early exit from Wimbledon 2024. The Japanese star suffered a 6-4 6-1 defeat against American Emma Navarro in the second round on Centre Court.
Osaka, playing at the All England Club for the first time since 2019, struggled to find her rhythm during the match. The four-time Grand Slam champion admitted to lacking confidence, which affected her performance. “I didn’t feel fully confident in myself,” Osaka stated post-match. “Those doubts started trickling into my game.”
The 26-year-old, who returned to the tour in January 2024 after giving birth to her daughter Shai, is currently ranked 113th in the world. Despite the disappointment at Wimbledon, Osaka remains optimistic about her prospects for the Paris Olympics, which begin later this month.
Osaka expressed her intention to focus on training for the Olympic tennis tournament, which will take place on the clay courts of Roland Garros. She referenced her recent strong performance against world number one Iga Swiatek at the French Open, suggesting a newfound affinity for clay. “I do want to do well,” Osaka said of her Olympic aspirations.
As for her immediate plans, Osaka remained uncertain about her schedule. She indicated that she would return home to spend time with her daughter before making further decisions. With her early Wimbledon exit providing unexpected free time, Osaka aims to use this period to prepare thoroughly for the Olympic challenge ahead.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
