Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has declared herself “better than 2021,” signaling a resurgence in form that could significantly impact her WTA ranking. As she continues her comeback journey after maternity leave, Osaka’s recent performances and renewed confidence suggest she’s poised to climb back to the top of the tennis world.
Osaka’s Miami Open Comeback: A Sign of Things to Come?
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Naomi Osaka battled through a grueling three-hour match at the Miami Open, defeating Hailey Baptiste 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-4. This victory, the longest women’s match of the tournament thus far, showcased Osaka’s improved resilience and fitness, reminiscent of her most successful years on the tour. Overcoming a tough challenge from the local wildcard, Osaka demonstrated her champion mentality by turning the match around after being down 4-2 in the final set. This win propelled her into the next round where she is set to face sixth seed Jasmine Paolini.
“Better Than 2021”: Osaka’s Self-Assessment
During the post-match press conference, Osaka confidently stated, “Honestly, I feel like I’m better than 2021.” Referencing the year she won her last Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, Osaka explained how the COVID-19 pandemic had hindered her progress. She added, “But yeah, I think I’m definitely faster than 2021… fitness-wise definitely the best I’ve been in a couple of years, for sure.” This bold assertion underscores Osaka’s belief in her current abilities and her determination to surpass her previous achievements.
Unwavering Determination and Competitive Edge
Osaka’s journey back to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. After returning from maternity leave in 2024, she faced injuries and inconsistent play. However, her recent performances indicate a renewed focus and a stronger competitive spirit. As Osaka put it, “This year, I’ve played already a couple scrappy matches. I think the fight kind of got me over it. Then I realized, like, you need to play a lot of matches like that to be, I guess, one of the great ones.” This newfound “will to fight,” as she described it earlier in the year, is proving to be a key factor in her resurgence.
The Rankings Impact: Climbing Back to the Top
Osaka’s improved form is already translating into a rise in the WTA rankings. Following the Australian Open in January 2025, she jumped nine spots to World No. 42. While this may not seem like much for a player of her caliber, it’s a significant step in the right direction. Currently, Osaka holds the WTA World No. 61 ranking with a record of 9-3. As she continues to win matches and advance in tournaments, her ranking is expected to continue to climb.
Key Factors Influencing Osaka’s Ranking Trajectory
- Grand Slam Performances: Strong performances in Grand Slam tournaments, where more ranking points are awarded, will be crucial for Osaka’s ascent. Her sights are set on claiming a Career Grand Slam, with Wimbledon and Roland Garros trophies on her “to-do list”.
- Consistency: Maintaining a consistent level of play and avoiding early-round losses will be essential for accumulating ranking points and improving her seeding in future tournaments.
- Health and Fitness: Staying healthy and maintaining her peak fitness level will be paramount for Osaka to compete at her best and avoid setbacks due to injury.
Expert Perspective: Patrick Mouratoglou’s Influence
Naomi Osaka is currently working with renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who has expressed confidence in her commitment to her comeback. Mouratoglou emphasized that Osaka is “legitimately doing it [her comeback] properly,” indicating a focused and dedicated approach to her training and preparation.
Mouratoglou’s Coaching Philosophy
Mouratoglou’s coaching philosophy centers on building belief and confidence in his players. He encourages them to work hard and trust that the results will eventually follow. This approach seems to be resonating with Osaka, who has spoken about the importance of self-belief in her recent success.
Osaka’s Broader Goals and Aspirations
Beyond rankings and tournament victories, Naomi Osaka has broader goals and aspirations that are driving her comeback. She has expressed a desire to use her platform to inspire others and to make a positive impact on the world.
Pursuing a Career Grand Slam
Osaka has openly stated her ambition to win Wimbledon and Roland Garros, completing a Career Grand Slam. This would solidify her place among the all-time greats of women’s tennis and further cement her legacy.
Balancing Tennis and Motherhood
As a mother, Osaka is also navigating the challenges of balancing her tennis career with her responsibilities as a parent. She has spoken about the importance of spending time with her daughter and finding ways to make it all work.
Conclusion: A Resurgent Osaka Poised for Success
Naomi Osaka’s recent performances, combined with her renewed confidence and determination, suggest that she is well on her way to regaining her status as one of the top players in the world. Her “better than 2021” declaration serves as a warning shot to her competitors, signaling that she is ready to compete for major titles and climb back to the top of the WTA rankings. With her talent, work ethic, and the support of her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Naomi Osaka is poised for a successful and impactful chapter in her career.
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