DUBAI, UAE - The recent stretch of firsts for Naomi Osaka hasn't just been reserved for the tennis court.
The World No.1 and her team took time out from her pre-tournament responsibilites at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Sunday to trek into the desert for some traditional dune buggy rides.
Earlier on Sunday, the Australian Open champion opened up on her recent decision to end her partnership with coach Sascha Bajin, with whom she won two Grand Slams, at All-Access Hour with assembled reporters.
From WTA Insider: Naomi Osaka finds peace and happiness after coaching split
Osaka might've foreshadowed her trip to the desert in her meeting with the press, as she articulated a desire to enjoy the city ahead of her third trip to the Premier 5-level event.
"This is my third time here, so I actually want to explore Dubai more," she told reporters at All-Access Hour.
"Of coursem doing well here is one of my biggest goals, but at the same time, I'm sort of in a transition period. I'm just looking forward to what the future holds."
Osaka will play her first match as World No.1 against Kristina Mladenovic, who defeated Omani wildcard Fatma al Nabhani in first-round action on Monday, 6-1, 6-1.
