Naomi Osaka is on her way back to the Australian Open, where she will try to defend her title. The Japanese sensation and a rather complicated season in 2021. After winning the Australian Open, everything seemed to be fantastic for Naomi until things got really complicated during the clay-court season.
Naomi Osaka decided to withdraw from the French Open after she was harshly criticized for refusing to attend the press conferences citing mental health issues. Later, Naomi agreed to participate in the Olympic Games after skipping the entire stint on grass. Naomi was hoping to defend her title at the US Open, but eventually, she surrendered to Leylah Fernandez in the third round. Naomi decided to take a long break and not compete anymore in 2021.
Fortunately, Naomi Osaka is now on her way to Melbourne as per the following tweet:
See you in 16ish hours Australia 🇦🇺👋🏾 pic.twitter.com/IiaAmofdpg
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) December 27, 2021
The favorite with Barty and Raducanu
Naomi will play a warm-up event in Melbourne in the first week of January before playing the first slam of the year. Naomi is considered among the top favorites to win the Australian Open alongside Ashleigh Barty and Emma Raducanu.
Naomi Osaka in 2021
Ranked no.13, Osaka played her last match on the 3rd of September when she lost to world no.24 Leylah Annie Fernandez 5-7 7-6(2) 6-4 in the 3rd round in U.S. Open (draw).
Currently, during this year the Japanese achieved a composed 18-6 record. Naomi has won 1 title at the Australian Open.
