Osaka tries not to feel like a “failure” after early exit from Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI:

Naomi Osaka said she was trying not to feel “like a failure” after her comeback hit another hurdle with a 7-5, 6-0 loss to former world number seven Danielle Collins in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Open on Tuesday.

“I say pretty harsh things about myself. I know the word, but if I say it, it sounds really bad. I felt a bit like a ‘failure,’ but I don’t want to be too harsh,” Osaka said. AFP in the UAE capital after her straight sets defeat.

The Japanese star returned last month from a 15-month absence from the tour, during which she gave birth to her first child Shai, but has been handed some tough draws and has lost three of her four matches so far this campaign.

The former world number one also lost in straight sets in the doubles later on Tuesday, alongside Ons Jabeur, but believes the performance helped her shake off her earlier disappointment.

“I’m less confident, but I’m not so confident that I think I can’t play very good tennis,” said four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka.

“I really think I just have to go through a really tough race and then recognize that this is going to happen quite a few times.”

Despite a close opening set that saw top serve from both players, Osaka struggled on her service games in the second set and failed to convert any of her six chances to fall to the American qualifier in one hour and 23 minutes.

“Everyone around me tells me I’m playing well and I don’t think I’m playing bad,” he continued.

“I just have to believe in myself more and I think once I got broken my belief sank a lot.”

Osaka will travel to Doha for the Qatar Open and says she “might have to play in Dubai” but is not sure yet.

Meanwhile, Collins improved her record to 2-3 against Osaka and will face top seed Elena Rybakina in the second round.

Collins, 30, has announced that this will be her final season on tour, and she has made some wild draws in the first five weeks of 2024.

At the Australian Open, she beat three-time major winner Angelique Kerber before falling to world number one Iga Swiatek in the second round.

She was handed two more Grand Slam titles in Abu Dhabi in the form of Osaka and 2022 Wimbledon winner Rybakina.

Collins said a desire to live a normal life away from constant travel and the daily grind of touring was the main reason behind her decision to retire at the end of the season.

“At this point I feel like I’m ready for the next chapter and I’m really excited about it,” she said.

“I needed to have an end date and it gives my family and friends the ability to come and support me in some final tournaments. I think it’s going to be really special,” the Florida player said.