Another week, another tournament, another opportunity for different players to dethrone Naomi Osaka from the world no.1 rank.
The Japanese showed some improvements last week in Stuttgart where she had to withdraw from an injury to her abs in the semifinal. In theory, Naomi had to battle in Germany to stay no.1, but eventually Simona Halep was not able to compete because of a hip injury and, using Naomi’s words, Osaka “dodged the bullet.”
However, in tennis you can’t really hide and the Japanese needs to keep on performing well if she wants to stay no.1. After Madrid, Osaka may still lose her world no.1 rank, here the scenarios.
How Osaka will stay no.1
Naomi will remain at the helm of the rankings if she reaches the semifinals in Spain. She will lose the world no.1 rank to the following players at the following conditions
Simona Halep
The Romanian will be back to the top of the rankings only if she wins the title (6467 pts) and Naomi doesn’t go beyond the quarters (6356pts).
Angelique Kerber
The German can be back to no.1 after Madrid if she wins the tournament (6220 pts) and Naomi Osaka doesn’t reach the 3rd round (6206pts).
What about Petra Kvitova?
The Czech is no.1 in the YTD rankings and no.2 in the “traditional ones” to be in a strong position. However, since she is the defending champion in Madrid, there are no chances that she will get more points after next week also if she defends her title. Therefore, Petra will not dethrone Naomi after this upcoming premier event.
| STILL BATTLING |
| Embed from Getty Images |
