Naomi Osaka opens up ahead of Qatar Open
She has suffered three straight losses
Former world number one Naomi Osaka may have suffered defeats in three straight matches following her successful return from maternity break, but ahead of the Qatar Open she said that the only way was up from here.
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who gave birth to her daughter Shai in July, clinched victory in her first match after 15 months out at the Brisbane International last month before going down against Karolina Pliskova in the second round.
Osaka also lost in the first round of both the Australian Open and Abu Dhabi against Caroline Garcia and Danielle Collins.
"It definitely is hard for me to not be tough on myself, but after Abu Dhabi I actually have more confidence in myself, which is a little strange," Osaka told reporters.
"I feel like since I have seen the worst that can happen, everything else is a plus. In Australia I knew that I said I was only going to play in Dubai, so I feel like I have to take these tournaments as extra credit.
"Someone said to me it's like a very expensive practice, so I don't know, after they said that I felt pretty optimistic."
Osaka, who will kick start her Doha campaign against 15th seed Garcia later on Monday, said she is keen on facing tough opponents like the Frenchwoman.
"I learn more from the matches. So of course it's funny to hear I'm playing her again but I'm a little happy," Osaka said.
"She's always been a really nice person and I know I'm not supposed to think that about my opponent, but I know we also share the same birthday. At the end of the day, a Libran is going to win."
