The recent match between Naomi Osaka and Danielle Collins at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Open has not only stirred attention for the outcome but also for the surprisingly low attendance, as noted by Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs.
Osaka, facing Collins in the first round, suffered a setback with a 7-5, 6-0 defeat. Despite Osaka’s status as a prominent figure in the tennis world, Stubbs expressed her astonishment at the sparse audience, particularly evident in a photo shared by journalist Jose Morgado on X (formerly Twitter).
“Is there like 5 people watching this? WTH?” remarked Stubbs, drawing attention to the lack of spectators in the background of the photo.
Is there like 5 people watching this? WTH?
— Rennae Stubbs 🇦🇺👍🏼 (@rennaestubbs) February 7, 2024
The 2024 Abu Dhabi Open marked Osaka’s third consecutive loss, showcasing the challenges she has faced since her return to the sport after a break in September 2022 due to mental health concerns. Stubbs, known for her coaching role with Serena Williams, voiced her surprise at the subdued atmosphere surrounding Osaka’s match.
The contrast between Osaka’s past Grand Slam successes and her current performance raises questions about her form and adaptability since returning to professional tennis. As the tennis world observes Osaka’s journey, the unexpected aspects of her recent match, from sparse attendance to challenging results, add a layer of intrigue to her evolving narrative in the sport.
Danielle Collins wins the last 9 games to beat Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-0 and reach the 2nd round in Abu Dhabi.
The worst match Osaka played in her comeback. Wasn’t really there in the second set.
Still plays doubles today with Jabeur. Needs any kind of match atm. pic.twitter.com/xU7dKUwcnu
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 6, 2024
Naomi Osaka in 2024
WLWLWLWLLW Ranked world no.757, the Japanese played her last match on the 6th of February when she was overcome by world no.71 Danielle Collins 7-5 6-0 in the 1st round in Abu Dhabi (draw).
At present, during this year the Japanese has achieved an overall 1-3 match record.
Osaka has scheduled to compete next in Doha (Qatar TotalEnergies Open). She will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 12th of February.
Collins in Abu Dhabi, ranking, and results in 2024
LLLLWWWLWW Ranked no.71, Collins has managed to achieve a composed 5-3 match record in 2024. Collins is now playing in Abu Dhabi where she conquered the world no.241 Despina Papamichail 6-2 6-3, the world no.126 Linda Fruhvirtova 6-4 6-3 and the world no.757 Naomi Osaka 7-5 6-0.
Danielle Collins will fight against the world no.5 Elena Rybakina in the 2nd round on Thursday at 5:00 pm on Stadium Court. Their record is 2-1 for Rybakina.
Naomi Osaka and Danielle Collins played each other 5 times. Their record is 3-2 for Osaka. Previously, the last time they squared off, Danielle Collins won 7-5 6-0 in the 1st round in Abu Dhabi (Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open) on the 6th of February 2024.
In the following video you can watch the highlights.
