Naomi Osaka is finally getting closer to competing again after taking a long break from competitions. The Japanese sensation head to deal with some mental health issues in a 2021. She decided to keep almost all of the clay-court season before withdrawing from all tournaments on grass. Back to competitions, Naomi played until she lost in the third round of the US Open before taking another pause.
Naomi is already in Down Under where she will play at WTA 250 tournament in Melbourne before playing Australian Open. Emma Raducanu is among the top players who will compete in the warm-up event.
In the meantime, Naomi Osaka posted the following video about her training. She looks in great form.
Naomi Osaka in 2021
LWWWLWLWLW Now the world no.13, Naomi played her last match on the 3rd of September when she was overcome by world no.24 Leylah Annie Fernandez 5-7 7-6(2) 6-4 in the 3rd round in U.S. Open (draw).
This season the Japanese has managed to achieve a 18-6 win-loss record. Osaka clinched 1 title at the Australian Open.
Ashleigh Barty in 2021
WWWWWWWWWW Now the world no.1, Barty played her last match on the 4th of September when she surrendered to world no.40 Shelby Rogers 6-2 1-6 7-6(5) in the 3rd round in U.S. Open (draw).
Presently, during this year Ashleigh achieved an overall 42-8 win-loss record. Ashleigh has won 5 titles in 2021 in Melbourne, in Miami, in Stuttgart, in Wimbledon and in Cincinnati. Ashleigh was the runner-up in Madrid.
Naomi Osaka and Ashleigh Barty faced off 4 times. Their head to head is 2-2. Previously, the last time they locked horns, Naomi Osaka won 3-6 6-3 6-2 in the final in Beijing (China Open) in October 2019.
You can watch the highlights in the following video.
Emma Raducanu in 2021
WWWLWWLLWW Now ranked no.19 (career-high), the Brit played her last match on the 9th of November when she lost to world no.101 Xin Yu Wang 6-1 6-7(0) 7-5 in the 2nd round in Linz (draw).
Currently, during this season the Brit has a 25-9 win-loss record. Emma has won 1 title at the U.S. Open. The Brit was the finalist in the Chicago.
Garbine Muguruza in 2021
Now ranked no.3, the Spaniard played her last match on the 17th of November when she defeated world no.7 Anett Kontaveit 6-3 7-5 in the final in Guadalajara to win her 10th career title.
This season the Spaniard has a 42-17 win-loss record. Garbine conquered 3 titles in 2021 in Dubai, in Chicago and in Guadalajara. The Spaniard was the runner-up in Melbourne and in Doha.
Emma Raducanu and Garbine Muguruza have never played each other so far in top events.
