In the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open, Naomi Osaka was beaten by Karolina Pliskova to finish her run in the competition.
Following a maternity leave of absence of almost two years, the former world number one was able to go to the round of eight in a tournament, but she was unable to build on strong openings in both sets. Pliskova extended her winning streak by winning two tie-breaks to earn a 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) success.
Even after the loss, Osaka was happy to play in Doha. She posted on X with the caption: “Doha, you are absolutely one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to. It’s been an absolute pleasure playing here, thank you for all the support. I love you and I’ll see you next year.”
Doha you are absolutely one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to. It’s been an absolute pleasure playing here, thank you for all the support. Love you and I’ll see you next year ❤️
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) February 16, 2024
Naomi Osaka in 2024
LWWWLWLWLW Currently ranked no.747, Naomi played her last match on the 15th of February when she lost to world no.59 Karolina Pliskova 7-6(6) 7-6(5) in the quarter in Doha (draw).
Currently, during this season the Japanese has a 3-4 record.
Osaka is expected to play next in Dubai (Dubai Duty Free Championships). She is currently an alternate. The main draw will start on the 19th of February.
Pliskova in Doha, ranking, and results in 2024
Now ranked no.59, the Czech achieved a composed 10-3 record in 2024. Karolina is now competing in Doha where she overcame the world no.40 Anna Kalinskaya 2-6 7-63 6-4, the world no.34 Anastasia Potapova 6-1 5-7 6-4, the world no.28 Linda Noskova 3-6 7-5 6-1 and the world no.747 Naomi Osaka 7-66 7-65.
Pliskova has scheduled to play next in Dubai (Dubai Duty Free Championships). She will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 19th of February.
Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova faced off 7 times. Their head to head is 5-2 for Pliskova. Previously, the last time they played each other, Karolina Pliskova won 7-6(6) 7-6(5) in the quarter in Doha (Qatar TotalEnergies Open) on the 15th of February 2024.
You can watch the highlights in the following video.
Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova |
| Embed from Getty Images |
