Osaka, who has struggled for form since her break from the sport, recovered from a set-down and defeated her Swiss opponent 4-6 6-3 6-4 in an entertaining semi-final.
“(I was) fighting with my inner thoughts and trying to know that I have to play point by point and adapt if I have to, but try not to overwhelm myself with my thoughts,” she told reporters.
“If I had been negative for a split second, I would have lost the game today.
“I have to keep pumping myself up and I haven’t played as many games as many of these other players, so I just have to keep learning.”
‘Very grateful’
At Indian Wells last month, Osaka was harassed by a spectator early in her second round match against Veronika Kudermetova.
The spectator seemed to yell, “Naomi, you suck!” and Osaka looked shocked, losing the first set 6-0 and eventually losing the match in straight sets.
Osaka has since confirmed that she has seen a therapist to deal with her mental health after revealing she suffered from depression last year.
But it seems that Osaka is now finding her best tennis again and has a chance to win another title against an unknown opponent.
The pair have only met once before, with Osaka winning in straight sets in 2019. However, Swiatek will become the world’s No. 1 for women on Monday as she strives to continue her 16-game streak.
The final takes place on Saturday and Osaka is looking forward to getting back on the field.
“We are in the final again, see you on Saturday.”
