Osaka and Williams are both renowned for their massive groundstrokes and serve, which on their day can blow anyone off the court. Camila Osorio faced the full force of Osaka’s raw power on Monday, succumbing to a 6-3, 6-3 defeat against the defending champion in the first round of the Australian Open.

Speaking on Tennis Channel, Martina Navratilova revealed that she finds the Japanese quite similar to the 23-time Major champion. Navratilova also believes that Osaka could do well in Melbourne this year, given she thrives on faster surfaces.

Osaka has hardly played any tennis since withdrawing from Roland Garros last year. After revealing she had been suffering from depression since 2018, the Japanese announced she would be foregoing press conferences at the Parisian Slam.

The organizers fined the 24-year-old for her actions and threatened to default her, which led to her withdrawal from the event. Osaka never fully returned to the tour after that, playing only eight matches in three tournaments.

Her form took a nosedive as she fell early at the Olympics, Western & Southern Open, and the US Open. For many fans, the lack of match practice was the reason behind Osaka’s poor showing.

During the build-up to this year’s Australian Open, Naomi Osaka took part in the Melbourne Summer Set, where she withdrew from the tournament after three matches, citing a minor injury.

Against that background, Navratilova explained why match practice is crucial for a player mentally and physically.

“I think that Naomi Osaka goes when she’s feeling okay with her tennis she doesn’t wanna risk anything physically” - Lindsay Davenport

Lindsay Davenport also gave her two cents on Naomi Osaka’s lack of match practice while speaking alongside Navratilova on Tennis Channel.

Davenport pointed out how the Japanese star often withdraws midway through an event to keep her body fresh for the Slams. The 2000 Australian Open champion believes that Osaka would rather protect her body than get more matches under her belt.

Naomi Osaka is into the second round of the Australian Open, where she will face Madison Brengle.

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