Naomi Osaka has found it tough on the Tour in recent times. Once the best player of the women’s draw, the Japanese ace has had her share of injuries and mental health issues disrupt her rhythm–not to mention a maternity break, as well. However, as the Tour has moved to North America, where she has played some of her best tennis, the Japanese pro looks like she is getting back to her best self.
Osaka finds crucial form in Montreal
Osaka did a good job at the Washington Open last week before she bowed out to British no. 1 Emma Raducanu. In her very next appearance, which is the ongoing Canadian Open, she has looked a much more assured player. Osaka did have her share of fragile moments when she had to save three match points against Liudmila Samsonova in the second round.
However, unlike her previous recent tournaments, she hung in there to get past the hurdle. Since then, she has looked invincible. She has taken out Jelena Ostapenko and Elina Svitolina (who she beat 6-2 6-2 in the quarterfinal), without breaking much of a sweat. She has been very dominant with her serve this week, which has been missing from her game in recent years. With a run so clinical, Osaka has booked herself a place in the semifinal. This will be her first semifinal appearance in a WTA 1000 event since the 2022 Miami Open. She had made it to the final back then before falling to Iga Swiatek.
Osaka will look to do the same, obviously fact trying to push herself a step further and win the event. Incredibly, the Japanese pro–who has never lost a Grand Slam final in her four appearances–has only been able to win one WTA 1000 event. It was back in 2018, when she won the Indian Wells event. It’s been seven and half years since that triumph and she looks in great form to end the drought. Osaka will take on Clara Tauson in her upcoming semifinal.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
