Defending Aussie Open champ Naomi Osaka’s bizarre superstitions revealed

Naomi Osaka has done her part in setting up a clash with Ash Barty in the fourth round but she’s done it in her own unique style.

Naomi Osaka has debuted a new superstition. Photo: Channel 9

Defending Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka has started her title defence in her own unique fashion, crushing Colombian Camila Osorio Serrano 6-3 6-3.

The popular 24-year-old, who has won two of the last three Aussie Opens and also topped world sport’s female rich list last week, caught the eye of fans who caught her superstitious act during the match.

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Before serving on one point, Osaka stepped towards the baseline and over the word “Melbourne” on the court, but only just trod on the word.

Instead of moving on, she turned around and did it right, stepping completely over the word and being able to continue her service game.

No that wasn't right. Sigh, gotta do it again.

Naomi Osaka | #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/TzGjuyWOxL

— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) January 17, 2022

While she’s far from the only player with obsessive superstitious tendencies, as 20-time grand slam champion has long been mocked and at times criticised for all his compulsions before serving, it was interesting moment from Osaka.

In her press conference after the match, she said it wasn’t a new superstition.

“Honestly I’ve always been like that,” she said. “Every time I’ve come here I really don’t like stepping on the lines or the Melbourne sign (at the back of the court).

“I think most players (are superstitious). For me, it’s definitely the lines and the logo.

“I also need my water bottles to be completely straight, not sure why I do that.”

Osaka stepping over the Melbourne sign @AustralianOpen We’ve all been there as pro-athletes, and had some kind of a superstition here or there, especially if it’s working 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣

— Alina Jidkova (@AlinaJidkova) January 17, 2022

Is it just me or is Osaka is refusing to step on the Melbourne sign behind the court? Taking huge steps over it, and if she accidentally steps on it she is going back to redo it?#AusOpen

— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 17, 2022

Naomi Osaka dodges the sign. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Osaka has long said she has superstitions, even in 2018 telling the New York Times: “I’m superstitious. If I win, I keep listening to the same song. I only change it when I lose.”

Osaka made headlines last year as spoke out about her mental health battle and took much of the season away from the sport.

Having dropped to 14th in the world, Osaka is heading for a fourth-round match up with Aussie world No. 1 Ash Barty, assuming they both make it that far.

But in a good mood after her first up win, Osaka said it was good to be back in Australia.

“It definitely always feels special for me to come back here,” she said on Channel 9 after the win.

“I have a lot of really good memories here so it just feels really nice to always start the year in this tournament.

“I’m just really happy to be here and I’m really happy to see everyone in the audience and I hope that we gave you a really good performance.

Osaka set up a second-round match with American Madison Brengle in the second round on Wednesday.