We have a great order of play on Tuesday in Madrid as the local fans will have the opportunity to see in action Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep, and Angelique Kerber that are fighting for the world no.1 rank.
Naomi Osaka
The world no.1 has finally found her groove after a couple of tough months. Naomi has won her 3 matches on clay this year (her least favorite surface), and she has a shot at finally conquering her maiden title on the dirt in Madrid.
Osaka will stay no.1 if she reaches the semifinal in Madrid.
Naomi got to the 2nd round in the Spanish capital after beating Dominika Cibulkova 6-2 7-6 (6).
Naomi will play against Sara Sorribes Tormo on the Arantxa Sanchez court as the second match in the morning. The head to head is 1-0 for the Japanese (see match preview).
Simona Halep
The Romanian has a shot at regaining her world no.1 ranking if she wins her 3rd title in Madrid and Naomi Osaka doesn’t reach the final 4.
Simona qualified for the 2nd round after she beat Margarita Gasparyan 6-0 6-4 in the opening match. However, Halep is battling with a cold that may create problems in the upcoming matches.
The Romanian is scheduled to play Jo Konta on Tuesday at noon in the Manolo Santana court.
Angelique Kerber
Currently ranked no.4, the German has a flimsy opportunity to become the world no.1 after Madrid. That will happen if Naomi Osaka loses her next match and Angelique wins the tournament. Kerber reached the 2nd round in Madrid after she dismissed Lesya Tsurenko (6-3 6-2) in the opening match.
Kerber is scheduled to face Petra Martic on Tuesday at 9.30 pm at the Manolo Santana court.
| OSAKA IN ACTION IN MADRID |
| Embed from Getty Images |
