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Osaka Embraces Bubble Wrap


Indian Wells champion Naomi Osaka has a new mindset after a momentous March.

Osaka knocked off world No. 1 Simona Halep and former top-ranked players Maria Sharapova and Karolina Pliskova en route to her first career title at Indian Wells.

Watch: Indian Wells Magazine

The 20-year-old Osaka followed it up sweeping her tennis idol, Serena Williams, out of Miami and rising 23 spots in the rankings to No. 21.

Success hasn't gone to her head because of the bubble wrap surrounding her, Osaka said.

"It all seems like a blur. I don't think my life has changed that much," Osaka told The Post and Courier's James Beck. "They (coach Sascha Bajin and her team) bubble me in and I don't get to see what's going on outside, and I don't really want to see what's going on outside.

"I should just focus on tennis, because I am a tennis player. I don't want to dwell too much on the past. I keep moving toward the future."

Osaka collected a champion's check for $1.34 million for winning the BNP Paribas Open, nearly matching her career earnings in an inspired two-week run. Osaka said millionaire status hasn't changed her views on spending.

"I don't see that much of a difference (after winning the big check)," Osaka told the Post and Courier. "I'm not the type of person that likes to buy stuff for myself. I like to buy stuff for my mom. I feel happy when I see that other people are happy."

The 10th-seeded Osaka stopped Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-4, setting up a second-round meeting with 2017 Charleston semifinalist Laura Siegemund.

"I was hitting my forehands with more spin," Osaka said. "I think people who have a little bit of spin on their ball do better on clay. I don't want to drastically change how I play, but I think to do that a little is good."

Photo credit: Daniel Huerlimann/Beelde Images

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