Naomi Osaka has her sights on Ashleigh Barty’s No.1 ranking after rediscovering her hunger in a topsy-turvy season that began with an Australian Open title.
The Japanese talent soared to top spot last January thanks to her US and Australian Open double.
But she hit a wall soon after, cycling through two coaches and flopping in the final three majors before finding late form to finish the year at No.3 in the world.
She will join a stellar field headed by local hope Barty at the Brisbane International from January 6 and announced her arrival in typical cool style by taking a helicopter ride over the city on Thursday.
The 22-year-old was one of four different women’s major winners in 2019 – a season that Barty eventually owned thanks to her consistency across all surfaces.
Osaka wants to take a stranglehold on the tour though and said countering Barty’s all-court craft was vital to that.
“That’s the mentality going into this year,” she said of her intention to jump clear of a crowded pack.
“Last year I had to figure a lot of stuff out and a lot of people could see that and towards the end of the year is when things started clicking for me.
“I love Australia … so I’m excited to start here.”
She said French Open champion Barty would prove a handful this year.
“She has a lot of variety, her serve’s really pin point and she has the best slice on tour,” Osaka said.