Former tennis superstar Monica Seles sees much of herself in Naomi Osaka but thinks the four-time grand slam champion is even better.
Seles will always be one of the greatest tennis players ever. By the time she turned 19, she had already won eight Grand Slam singles titles and had a chance of becoming the most successful female player ever had it not been for a devastating event.
During a match with Steffi Graf in 1993, a fan came onto the court and stabbed Seles. Although she won another Australian Open title in 1996, the tennis legend was never the same player after the shocking incident.
However, Seles' impact on tennis has only grown since. Her powerful baseline game influenced other greats on the WTA Tour that came after her, including Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Maria Sharapova.
Osaka, who recently narrated a guided meditation to assist people with their mental health, has a similar game based on baseline power, although Seles' two-handed forehand remains unique and rarely copied.
In a recent interview, the nine-time Grand Slam champion praised Osaka. She sees similarities between herself and the 25-year-old but thinks the Japanese star is even better.
"Of the younger generation, Naomi Osaka, because she reminds me of somebody like me, but even better. She needs to strike that ball, first, bam bam! I am amazed though at how well she moves, just wow."
Despite her undoubted ability, Osaka endured a challenging 2022 season that was below the high standards she set herself in previous years. The Japanese star will hope to respond strongly in the opening months of 2023.
Osaka's weaker results did not stop her from being a good human being. For example, she rushed to help Daria Saville while the Australian screamed in pain after sustaining an injury in their match at the Japan Open.