Japan’s Naomi Osaka has recently said that she did not let the Serena Williams incident tarnish her Major moment. Osaka, will be grateful of a visit to Japan to put the focus back on tennis at the Quality Toray Pan Pacific Open.
Naomi Osaka and Company Look to put the Focus Back on Quality Tennis in Japan
She is joined by the likes of Sloane Stephens, Caroline Wozniacki, Johanna Konta, Garbine Muguruza, and Caroline Garcia, alongside potential dark horse Dominika Cibulkova for what should be a great week of tennis. It’s the chance to put focus back on the tennis ability of these players. It’s up to the media whether or not they take it.
#1 seed Caroline Wozniacki’s Fitness Doubts Increase Expectations on Osaka
Osaka, born in Chūō-ku, Japan, grew up in New York and now lives in Florida–so the reaction to what happened last week won’t have come unexpected. Osaka comes into this tournament as the #3 seed, behind Caroline Wozniacki and Caroline Garcia. However, with Wozniacki struggling to recover from injury that ultimately cut short her US Open run, Osaka immediately steps up in the reckoning.
Muguruza Looking to get back on Track against Bencic in Opening Round
For out-of-sorts Spaniard Garbine Muguruza, this tournament is an opportunity to get back on track after a disappointing run. A 2nd-round loss to Karolina Muchova at Flushing Meadows may have been overtaken by other happenings last week. That said, it will have hurt Muguruza. She takes on the previously rising Belinda Bencic in round 1- both players will be keen to revive memories of better form days.
A Great Week of Tennis in Prospect
Johanna Konta is amongst those hoping to put a personally disappointing US Open behind them in Japan. However, potential dark horse, Dominika Cibulkova will be looking to keep the momentum going, as her form is gradually improving. The Slovak traditionally plays her best tennis towards the end of the season, so she could be one to watch in Japan.
All in all, it promises to be a showcase of WTA talent at the Quality Toray Pan Pacific Open. Just what the sport needs.
