5 Questions with 2019 Champion Naomi Osaka

Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka will play in the China Open Round of 32 against No. 20 Sara Bejlek on Day 4. 

Jackson West caught up with Osaka on Day 3 following her opening victory.

READ MORE: Osaka needs three sets to beat Timofeeva 

Q: What’s your favorite gift you’ve received from a fan when you’ve been in Beijing?

A: Well, this year I received a really nice letter. It made me cry a lot. And I just love letters from fans because it always feels very personal and I feel like I can feel their emotion.

Q: You’ve been here seven times to the China Open. Is there any place you always try to go back to when you’re in Beijing, or is there somewhere you’re hoping to go for the first time now?

A: Actually, I don’t really travel that much when I’m here. I kind of just stay at the hotel. I have gone to the Great Wall twice.

Q: Out of the kits you wore at the majors this year, which one would your childhood self love the most, and which one do you love the most now?

A: I think my childhood self would’ve loved the kimono in Wimbledon a lot, just because growing up I didn’t have that many opportunities to wear kimonos. It was more like yukatas. I think we ended it on a good note with the rotation in the U.S. Open, starting with the (Allen) Iverson tribute, it’s really hard to pick.

Q: Is there anything inspiring you now that might make its way into a kit next season?

A: I would say there definitely are things inspiring me now. I think even before next season, there’s a tournament in Tokyo, so hopefully there’s something for that, too.

Q: I heard you used to be an Overwatch player. Do you have a favorite character to play?

A: Yeah, I actually still play when I have time, when I’m not with my daughter 24/7. I play Baptiste.

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