'I do things my own way' - no regrets for US Open champ Osaka in Tokyo homecoming

TOKYO, Japan - Born in Japan and raised in New York, Naomi Osaka's full-circle schedule didn't go unnoticed by the throng of journalists at the Toray Pan Pacific Open, many of whom will likely be at her sold-out opening round match against Dominika Cibulkova.

"I lived in New York for a little, so the US Open was always special to me," she said in a packed pre-tournamend press conference. "In a way, I’m happy that it was my first Grand Slam. As I feel the US Open is special, I similarly feel that Toray is special. I would love to do well here, too."

While Osaka's major breakthrough happened in the Big Apple, the 20-year-old made her first final at home, finishing runner-up to Caroline Wozniacki at this event back in 2016.

"I’m very excited to play Toray. I’ve played here for many years, and I always feel like I play well here. I’m looking forward to my match, and I’m really excited there’s going to be a lot of people watching."

It was that year that she first played Cibulkova, dropping just three games to a player who would go on to win the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global four weeks later.

"I’ve watched her growing up so I know how she plays.

"For me, I think I don’t really want to think too much about it, and just play how I’ve been playing. It’s a little bit strange when you ask, ‘How do I want to play?’ There’s a continuous talk about being more consistent, and for me, that would be my No.1 goal, but I also want to have fun on the court at this tournament."

Osaka also watched plenty of matches involving 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, making their US Open final clash all the more emotional for a player who grew up idolizing the former World No.1.

"I don’t know if the word is notorious, but I’m not that great at trophy ceremonies," she joked when asked about her post-match reaction. "Even in Indian Wells, it was different from everyone else.

"It’s great that people care, or sympathize, but I don’t think there was anything to be sad about. I guess I’m grateful that people are sad, but I don’t feel like I would have wanted to savor the moment more. I do things my own way, and that’s great about people, that everyone is different. I don’t really have any regrets."

In the meantime, the Japanese star has taken the time to enjoy elements of her home country's culture, including a live sumo match, but many of the items on her dietary to-do list remain unchecked as main draw action has already begun.

"I feel like coming to Japan from America, it’s easier to get adjusted to the jetlag. It’s been a little rough, but not that bad. I haven’t eaten katsudon yet because it’s near to the tournament. After, I’ll get to have green tea ice cream, and maybe even some tempura."

Osaka takes on Cibulkova on Wednesday afternoon in the Main Arena.