Naomi Osaka Finds Her Stride: Overcoming Fear at Wimbledon

Naomi Osaka, long haunted by her challenges at Wimbledon, appears to have turned a new leaf, expressing newfound confidence on the grasscourts. The Japanese tennis star, who has secured four Grand Slam titles on hardcourts, won an impressive match against Czech player Katerina Siniakova.

Osaka's fear of grass has historically held her back, allowing her only five match wins at Wimbledon over a decade-long career. Reflecting on her mentality, Osaka attributes her hesitance to growing older, contrasting it with her bravado as a young player. She's working on overcoming these fears, aiming for improved performances.

The 53rd-ranked Osaka's path appears promising this year, following significant eliminations of top seeds. With two straight-set victories under her belt, she's got a favorable prospect of advancing further, excitedly sharing her comfort with playing on grass just as her daughter turns two.

(With inputs from agencies.)