via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 19, 2022 Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action during her second round match against Madison Brengle of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 19, 2022 Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action during her second round match against Madison Brengle of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
4-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka didn’t have a great start to 2022, and has suffered a massive ranking drop after the Australian Open. After a disappointing end to 2021, Osaka hoped for a better start this year. However, the Japanese player didn’t have a great Summer in Australia.
The former World no.1 started well in Australia, as she reached the semi-final of a warm-up tournament in Melbourne but had to withdraw as she hadn’t had match practice in a while. However, her performance in the Australian Open was underwhelming, as she lost to Amanda Anisimova in the third round.
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Naomi Osaka will play back-to-back tournaments
Last year, after winning the Australian Open at the beginning, Naomi Osaka didn’t play consistently on the tour as she was struggling with mental health issues. It was due to this that she withdrew from the French Open as well.
Although she returned for the Olympics and the US Open, her performances didn’t meet the usual standards. According to Jon Wertheim, a senior sports journalist, Naomi will most likely play various tournaments before the French Open this year. She will play in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Rome, and then the French Open in May.
Her name may not have been on today's press release, but Naomi Osaka intends to play the full spring swing… @BNPPARIBASOPEN , Miami, Madrid, Rome, @rolandgarros
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) February 9, 2022
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After her early exit from the Australian Open, Osaka’s rankings dropped to 85, which is not ideal for her to get a direct entry in tournaments. Especially, in Masters 1000s, she has to rely heavily on wildcards to get a direct entry.
Can Osaka get her form back in 2022?
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The 24-year-old is still one of the best players on the tour, even with the current ranking. She just needs to play more matches on tour to get her form back. If Naomi gets her form back, she is a dangerous opponent for anyone to face.
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 21, 2022 Japan’s Naomi Osaka waves to the crowd after losing her third round match against Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Although the Australian Open didn’t go according to her plan, Naomi can still turn it around this year, as this is just the start of the season. Naomi is already planning to play back-to-back tournaments to get back on her feet, as she has the immense ability to win more than 4 Grand Slam titles.
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Can Naomi win another Grand Slam this season? Let us know in the comments.
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