She has that “Kobe mentality” in big moments.
One of the best athletes on the planet right now is on fire on the big stage, and her name is Naomi Osaka.
2.
At the age of 16, Osaka made her WTA debut, which is always such an underrated accomplishment at that age, so winning or losing does not matter…oh, by the way, she won in her WTA debut.
WTA
She also made it to the Round of 32 in her first slam.
4.
Since 2018, Osaka has won a major every year. At this rate, she could have a minimum of 11 majors by the time she turns 30.
5.
After her first major win, when she has to play in a third set, she is 37-6.
WTA
The big moment must feel inferior when Osaka steps to the service line.
7.
In 2019, arguably her best year, she had a match record of 38-12. That’s a 76% win percentage.
Disney
She also had a sets record of 78-35.
8.
With her four majors, she has a total of seven singles titles.
Imgur
That’s a lot of hardware already to polish — hopefully she has a big enough trophy case.
9.
All that being said, she has yet to win a major on clay or grass…
…but with a competitor like Osaka, you can bet she will crack a quarterfinal in either Wimbledon or the French Open very soon.
11.
She is undefeated in major quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals matches. I repeat UNDEFEATED in twelve matches with everything on the line.
New Line Cinema
She doesn’t lose when she reaches the quarterfinals.
12.
Since her rise in 2018, her first-serve win percentage has not dipped below 70-percent.
Tenor
For those who aren’t familiar, first service won is where the player successfully makes the first service and wins the point. So when she gets that first serve in, she’s tough to stop.
13.
Only three players are 4-0 in their first four slam finals appearances: Monica Seles, Roger Federer, and Naomi Osaka.
14.
Her current season is going well so far…if having a 20-2 match record to start the year can only be described as simply “good.”
15.
Currently ranked No. 2 in the world, since 2018, she has not fallen out of the WTA Top-5 to finish the season.
16.
Over her career, so far, she has earned $19.7M in prize money. Did I mention she is only 23?
Warner Bros. Entertainment
How many slams do you think Naomi will win? What’s your favorite part about her game? Comment below.
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