After her first-round Wimbledon match against fellow Australian Talia Gibson, world No. 53 Naomi Osaka commented on the presence of Australian star Nick Kyrgios in her player`s box, admitting she was completely unaware he was there.
Upon being asked about Kyrgios`s attendance during her match, Osaka expressed her surprise at the post-match press conference. “He was there? I honestly didn`t know that. Okay. What`s the story behind that?” she questioned.
She continued, “I just jokingly said to someone, `I know Nick is around. Maybe he`ll want to come to my match.` Of course, that was just a joke, as we`re two completely different players. But honestly, I`d love to go to his matches myself; he`s always very entertaining.”
Osaka added, “It`s a little awkward that he was there and I didn`t notice. But it`s cool that he came. I`m happy. I hope it evoked some feelings in him. I wouldn`t be bold enough to say he was `inspired,` but I hope he could also understand my actions on the court a little.”
Rupert Hartwell