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Nicolas Atkin

Naomi Osaka has admitted she is “a little nervous and a little excited” about her new life as a grand slam champion as she gets back to her day job at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
The 20-year-old has been on a whirlwind media tour of talk shows in the United States and press conferences for Japanese sponsors since beating Serena Williams in the US Open final on September 8.
After a first-round bye, third seed Osaka will be in unknown territory when she steps on court to face Dominika Cilbulkova on Wednesday as Japan’s first major singles champion.
But she said: “I’m very grateful for this experience and I’m looking forward to the rest of the month in Asia.”
Naomi Osaka catches Michael B. Jordan’s attention as Ellen DeGeneres plays matchmaker for US Open champion

After Tokyo come Wuhan, Beijing and the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open for Osaka, as she looks to solidify a spot in what would be her first season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore.
“My family and my sister will be there too, so I’m just trying to enjoy but also refocus on what’s ahead,” added Osaka, who is ranked number four in the Race to Singapore.
Naomi Osaka confirmed for Hong Kong Tennis Open as organisers announce extended 2018 line-up
“My next goal in the immediate future is to qualify for Singapore. But also just stay focused and keep working with my team to improve my game.”
Osaka has confirmed her place in Hong Kong, which runs from October 6-14 at Victoria Park.

It was in Hong Kong last year she showed a glimpse of what was to come with an impressive second-round win over seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams.
“I’m very excited to be returning to the Hong Kong Tennis Open this year, thank you for inviting me,” Osaka said.
Naomi Osaka not the only mixed-race or minority Japanese who’s made it big
“I just want to thank the fans for coming out to watch the matches. Their support means a lot. I hope to be able to play my best and enjoy the game.
“I really enjoyed every minute of being on the court during the US Open and it feels good to be having fun again while I’m playing. So I hope that will show in my matches in Hong Kong.”

Reflecting on her stunning triumph in New York, Osaka still seems to be pinching herself.
“I always dreamed of one day playing Serena in a final, so I’m very grateful to have had that experience while also becoming the first champion for Japan – it means a lot,” she said.
One of the most impressive aspects of Osaka’s victory was how at just 20 years old she kept a cool head in what must have been an emotionally-draining match.
Serena Williams cartoon: Mark Knight defends Herald Sun drawing of US Open tantrum after ‘racism’ accusations
Williams was controversially docked a point and then a game by umpire Carlos Ramos for three separate code violations in the second set, sparking a debate in the world of tennis.
The 23-time grand slam singles champion accused Ramos of sexism, calling him “a liar” and “a thief” after he initially gave her a warning for receiving coaching from Patrick Mouratoglou.
“I tried to keep my back turned and keep my focus on the match,” Osaka said. “During the whole tournament I fought for every point in every match, so I just kept telling myself to focus on the ball and keep fighting.”


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Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open

Naomi Osaka faces Dominika Cibulkova at Pan Pacific Open in Japan as nerves over her new life begin

US Open champion Naomi Osaka is all smiles during a press conference at the Pan Pacific Open tournament in Tokyo. Photo: AFP

U.S. Open women's singles champion Naomi Osaka poses at a press conference in Yokohama on Sept. 13, 2018, after her arrival back in Japan. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2018, file photo, Naomi Osaka, of Japan, is hugged by Serena Williams after Osaka defeated Williams in the women's final of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, in New York. Naomi Osaka told television host Ellen DeGeneres that Serena Williams said she was "proud" of her during the trophy ceremony while boos filled the stadium. Osaka appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" Wednesday.(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

US Open winner, Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka, arrives at Tokyo Haneda airport, on September 13, 2018. (Photo by Martin BUREAU / AFP)

Naomi Osaka confirmed for Hong Kong Tennis Open as organisers announce extended 2018 line-up

Naomi Osaka poses at Nissan’s headquarters in Yokohama, as she was named the automaker’s brand ambassador. Photo: Kyodo

TOPSHOT - US Open Womens Single champion Naomi Osaka of Japan (R) with Serena Williams of the US following their Women's Singles Finals match at the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 8, 2018. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

Naomi Osaka catches Michael B. Jordan’s attention as Ellen DeGeneres plays matchmaker for US Open champion

Naomi Osaka poses with Ellen DeGeneres. Photo: Twitter/@TheEllenShow

Japan's Naomi Osaka, the US Open women's singles tennis tournament champion, attends a press conference at a hotel in Yokohama on September 13, 2018. (Photo by Martin BUREAU / AFP)

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: Naomi Osaka of Japan after winning the Women's Singles finals match alongside runner up Serena Williams of the United States on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Julian Finney/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Naomi Osaka’s US Open win over Serena Williams gives Japan an unlikely hero after devastating typhoon and earthquake

Naomi Osaka of Japan (left) cries as Serena Williams of the USA comforts her during the trophy ceremony of the 2018 US Open. Photo: USA Today

Japanese media reacts to Naomi Osaka

TOPSHOT - Russia's Maria Sharapova serves to Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro during their 2018 US Open Women's Singles tennis match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 3, 2018. (Photo by EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ / AFP)

(180909) -- NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2018 (Xinhua) -- Naomi Osaka of Japan kisses the trophy during the awarding ceremony after winning the women's singles final match against Serena Williams of the United States at the 2018 US Open tennis tournament in New York, the United States, Sept. 8, 2018. Osaka won 2-0 and claimed the title. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

Sep 8, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Serena Williams of the United States yells at chair umpire Carlos Ramos in the women's final against Naomi Osaka of Japan on day thirteen of the 2018 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY SPORTS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Kei Nishikori of Japan hits a backhand during a U.S. Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in New York on Sept. 7, 2018. Nishikori lost 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sep 8, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Serena Williams of the United States smashes her racket during the women's final against Naomi Osaka of Japan (not pictured) on day thirteen of the 2018 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY SPORTS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Sport

Tennis

US Open champion returns to court in Tokyo before tournaments in Wuhan, Beijing and Hong Kong, with reality sinking in that things will never be the same


US Open (tennis)

Naomi Osaka faces Dominika Cibulkova at Pan Pacific Open in Japan as nerves over her new life begin

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}US Open champion returns to court in Tokyo before tournaments in Wuhan, Beijing and Hong Kong, with reality sinking in that things will never be the same

US Open champion returns to court in Tokyo before tournaments in Wuhan, Beijing and Hong Kong, with reality sinking in that things will never be the same