Naomi Osaka is about to start her run at the Miami Open, where she will face Ajla Tomljanovic in her first match. In Florida, Osaka also has the aim of snatching the world no.1 rank from Ashleigh Barty’s hands. To get at the top of the rankings, the Japanese no.1 needs to win the tournament hoping that Ashleigh will not reach the final.
During a recent interview, Osaka was asked if she felt any pressure because she is widely considered the favorite at the Miami Open. Naomi replied that she is not worried also because she has never performed really well at the Miami Open as her best result was just reaching the 3rd round on 2 occasions (see details).
“I actually don’t feel any pressure. It’s not like I’m defending here. I’ve never even made 2nd week here before. I feel more fun, like excitement. I want to see how well I can do,” said Naomi.
Naomi Osaka in 2021
Now ranked no.2, Naomi played her last match on the 20th of February when she defeated Jennifer Brady 6-4 6-3 in the final of the Australian Open to win her 7th career title.
This season Osaka owns a composed 10-0 match record. Osaka conquered 1 title at the Australian Open.
Tomljanovic in Miami, ranking, and results in 2021
Now the world no.77, Ajla has managed to achieve an overall 4-5 match record in 2021. Ajla is now having a run in Miami where she overcame Anastasia Potapova 7-5 6-0.
Ajla Tomljanovic will face Osaka in the 2nd round. They have never played each other up to now in top tournaments.
Naomi Osaka and Ajla Tomljanovic have never played each other.
Ashleigh Barty in 2021
At the moment ranked no.1, the Australian played her last match on the 24th of February when she lost to Danielle Collins 6-3 6-4 in the 2nd round in Adelaide (draw).
Currently, during this season the Australian has a 8-2 win-loss record. The Australian conquered 1 title in Melbourne.
