If US Open winner Naomi Osaka is feeling the pressure of being the tennis world’s newest Grand Slam champion, she’s hiding it well in the lead-up to the Australian Open.
The Japanese star arrives in Melbourne as the world No 4 after a stunning victory over Serena Williams at Flushing Meadows that sent the 21-year-old’s profile into the stratosphere.
The manner in which she claimed her maiden Slam was far from ideal – with Serena’s furious tirade against the umpire overshadowing Osaka’s breakthrough moment.
Her tearful post-match demeanour raised concerns the youngster was becoming overwhelmed by the situation.
Combined with the pressure of becoming the first Japanese player to win a major, and the fanatical support that brings, there were fears she could wilt under the spotlight. Read more
