Naomi Osaka on looking forward, not back

SportLocation Tennis Desk · 2 Oct 2026

Naomi Osaka describes trying to feel excited about who she could become, rather than comparing herself with an older version of herself.

Naomi Osaka turns a short reflection towards the future: she says she is trying to feel more excited about what she could become, rather than comparing herself with her old self.

The thought comes as Osaka speaks into a studio microphone, with the word “EXCITED” appearing beside her. Her phrasing is measured, but the emphasis is clear: the point is not to deny who she was, but to shift her attention towards what might come next.

It is a personal perspective, not a promise about results. In tennis, where every match offers a fresh measure of performance, Osaka’s words keep the focus on a different kind of progress: staying curious about the player she may yet become.