Li Na: Osaka needs the desire to go further

Chinese tennis great Li Na said US Open champion Naomi Osaka can go on and win multiple Grand Slam titles — if she can find the inner desire to match her abilities.

Osaka has admitted feeling burdened by expectations after last month’s victory in New York, saying she puts pressure on herself to “do more, do better”.

The 20-year-old world No. 6 was also in tears after her “bittersweet” US Open win, which was marred by Serena Williams’ explosive row by the chair umpire.

“I believe with her abilities and strength, she can win many [Grand Slam titles] — that is if she really has the desire to be a champion,” Li said ahead of the Hong Kong Open.

Osaka pulled out of the Hong Kong tournament with a back injury. France’s No. 2 Alize Cornet swept into the second round — helped by a “home” crowd.

The eighth seed brushed aside Israel’s Julia Glushko 6-1, 6-2, to record her first victory in more than a month after a string of firstround exits in Chinese tournaments.

The 28-year-old credited her change in fortunes with the support of her compatriots at Victoria Park. “Whenever I play in Hong Kong I feel at home because there’s a lot of French people here,” she said. “I enjoyed my time on the court, it was nice to be here.”