With the world at her feet, Osaka takes Paris in her stride

Twelve months ago at Roland Garros, an embarrassed Naomi Osaka bristled at being hailed as the 'coolest thing' in tennis.

Now, however, the 21-year-old Japanese returns to Paris as comfortably the sport's hottest ticket with the world number one billing, a bank balance bursting at the seams and on the brink of a third successive Grand Slam title.

"The one word that comes to my mind is amazing," says Osaka's older sister Mari, a fellow tour player.

"I'm really proud of her."
- 'Grand Slams are playgrounds' -
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"I think for me, I'm kind of comfortable with clay now. It's just like I randomly slip. I feel like if I can get that under control, I'll be good."