Naomi Osaka praises 'unbelievable' Novak Djokovic in Instagram Q&A

Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka have lifted the singles trophy at a major tournament together three times, and the Japanese star says she's gained an appreciation for her fellow No. 1's tennis skills over the course of her career.

In an Instagram Q&A Tuesday, the new mom lauded the now-24-time Grand Slam singles champion, calling him "unbelievable" in response to a fan query about who her favorite players are.

While Osaka stopped short of labeling any pro her favorite—"I like qualities from a bunch of different players," she wrote—the four-time Grand Slam champion called out the well-known affinity she's had for Serena Williams since childhood, and added that she "appreciated the focus" of Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic, she said, she's come to appreciate as she's watched him work while they've traveled the tour, and won big titles, together.

"Honestly, as I grew up, I really learned to appreciate Novak a lot more," Osaka wrote. "Purely as a tennis player, this man is unbelievable lol."

While Djokovic won three of the four majors played in 2023, Osaka watched his winning from home: She announced her pregnancy in January, just prior to the Australian Open, and gave birth to daughter, Shai, in July.

But the former world No. 1 plans to return to tennis with a robust schedule in 2024, and with Djokovic still at the peak of his powers at the top of the ATP rankings, there might be more winning on the biggest stages to be done by the pair sooner rather than later.