Although Naomi Osaka will not be competing at the 2024 Eastbourne International, her participation in Wimbledon is guaranteed. The Japanese player was never known to play a full schedule because she missed portions of the clay and grass seasons on a semi-regular basis, concentrating mostly on hard courts, where she was dominant. However, this year, her coach told her to play as much as possible.
The logic behind it was clear: that she needed to play as many matches as possible to reach the heights of her career. Consequently, the former world number one set out on another task that required her to participate in a large number of events.
One week ahead of Wimbledon, Osaka has competed in 12 events so far, one more than in 2019, the most recent similar year in terms of a packed schedule. This displays a definite intent, as per her coach’s instructions.
The WTA 500 tournament in Eastbourne was meant to be part of that schedule, but according to James Gray, she withdrew ahead of time citing a schedule change, therefore she will not be playing there.
For those confused as to why Naomi Osaka is not in the Eastbourne draw, I’m told she withdrew in advance due to a “change in schedule” rather than any injury scare.
Wimbledon participation not in doubt, at this point.
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) June 24, 2024
Naomi Osaka in 2024
LWWWLWLWLW Currently the world no.111, Osaka played her last match on the 18th of June when she surrendered to world no.8 Qinwen Zheng 6-4 3-6 6-3 in the 1st round in Berlin (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Japanese has a 15-12 win-loss record.
Naomi Osaka |
| Embed from Getty Images |
