Japan star Naomi Osaka ‘understanding her mission’ to dominate tennis world, says coach Yutaka Nakamura

‘She was a bit confused and a little unsure how she was going to manage her career,’ says strength and conditioning coach Nakamura

The 23-year-old ‘looking forward to opening a new chapter’ at Australian Open having turned a physical and mental corner

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Naomi Osaka celebrates after winning her first round match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia at the Australian Open. Photo: AAP Image

Published: 10:49am, 11 Feb 2021Updated: 10:49am, 11 Feb 2021

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka is gunning for nothing but a second title at the Covid-19 pandemic-impacted Australian Open, her coach said.

The 23-year-old world number three, who has made a great start in Melbourne with victories over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia and Caroline Garcia of France, is said to be in pristine shape, despite extra tests, quarantines, and niggling injuries in the warm-up event.

“It’s been challenging. There’s a lot going on with the pandemic but at the end of the day Naomi played and got through,” said strength and conditioning guru Yutaka Nakamura, appointed by Team Osaka last July. Tokyo-born Nakamura spoke to the Post via video call from his tournament-arranged quarantine hotel in Melbourne.

“The tournament is going ahead and we’re very pleased and thankful for that. We have the opportunity to be part of the first grand slam of the year – and part of the Aussie Open.

World No 3 Naomi Osaka returns to her Adelaide quarantine hotel after a practice session before the Australian Open. Photo: AFP

“[Naomi] is feeling good and obviously she’s targeting the slam. Those warm-up events she puts in 100 per cent effort, but she gives 120 per cent in the slams. She’s ready for the rest of the tournament.”