Davenport Feels 'Work Needs To Be Done' Before Osaka Can Challenge For Titles Again

Thursday, 18 January 2024 at 02:00

byAlex Waite

Naomi Osaka has plenty of improvements to make before she can contend at the top levels of the WTA again, according to Lindsay Davenport.

Osaka returned to the Australian Open 2024 for her first Grand Slam appearance since the US Open in 2022. However, the comeback did not go as planned for the four-time Grand Slam winner as she suffered a first-round defeat to world number 19 Caroline Garcia.

Despite making a winning start in her tennis return at the Brisbane International in January, Osaka also crashed out early in this competition, after a three-set loss to Karolina Pliskova.

Ultimately, it will take time for the 26-year-old to rediscover form and fitness, and three-time major winner Davenport said, when speaking to the Tennis Channel, that there is plenty more to come from an under-par Osaka.

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"When you have won four Majors and you have been at the top, it's about winning Majors, its about at least contending for Majors and she came down to Australia, she was one in two, she got out hit by Plisakova, got out hit by Gracia, that is not a peak Osaka.”

Following her early Australian Open exit, Osaka remained upbeat and tried to manage expectations. But she also acknowledged how important playing more tennis will be so she can reach top levels again.

When revealing her upcoming schedule, Osaka explained that she was targetting Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami, Charleston and, hopefully, the entire clay season. Thinking ahead, Davenport believes that the 26-year-old will be looking at making strides at Indian Wells in the spring.

"Of course it's amazing and it's a big first step just to get back on tour and to get back out on court but if the goals are to win Majors I think a little bit more work needs to be done. It wouldn't surprise me if maybe she waited till Indian Wells,”