Naomi Osaka during her match against Saisai Zheng at the 2020 Australian Open (Image credit: Getty)
Japanese star Naomi Osaka continued her Australian Open journey by defeating China’s Saisai Zheng.
Although she won the match in straight sets, the defending champion cut a frustrated figure. Osaka even kicked and threw her racquet during the clash thanks to the tactics of her rival.
The champion looked more composed during the post-match press conference and she highlighted how Zheng’s game affected her.
One reporter asked about the large number of Japanese flags in the crowd and if the support helped her:
“It feels really good, there is always so many people supporting so I have always enjoyed playing here.”
Osaka further claimed the atmosphere in Australia was different and the support was louder too:
“I think there’s more Japanese people here than anywhere else in the world, except for Tokyo and stuff.
“Bringing the flags and stuff, I think here it might be the most. The atmosphere is different, they’re willing to be louder here.”
The 22-year-old was also asked about the windy conditions on court, but Osaka wasn’t too concerned with that.
The champion didn’t want to name any other tournaments but highlighted some have worse conditions too.
Osaka was also worried that this match against Zheng could have gone to three sets. The Chinese star looked good in patches and her tactics seemed to be getting the better of the champion.
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However, Osaka can now look forward to a third round clash, and she is one of the favourites to win this year’s Australian Open too.
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