French Open: Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka ensure rarity
Ashleigh Barty andNaomi Osaka are among the title contenders at the French Open. However, that did not prevent the two from fighting together for the second Grand Slam tournament of the year on Wednesday.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: May 27, 2021, 07:52 am
Paris seems like a good place for the two world number leaders to train together. In 2019, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal had the honor of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in the Bercy district, around a year and a half later Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka did the same about ten kilometers further east: the Australians and their first pursuer fought at the Bois de Boulogne for the French Open.
If training sessions between the two best players in the world are more than rare for the men, these are almost a small miracle for the women. Usually Barty, Osaka and Co. isolate themselves from their competitors and prepare for tournaments in small groups.
On this Wednesday before the start of the French Open, everything should be fine: The two of them worked on their game for two hours on the Philippe-Chatrier court. Barty's form was judged by Craig Tyzzer, at Osaka Wim Fissette took a closer look. For the Japanese, in contrast to her training partner, was anything but as desired in this clay court season.
Nevertheless, the four-time Grand Slam winner is of course one of the favorites at the French Open. In view of her expandable form, the 23-year-old should look more closely than usual at the draw that will take place on Thursday (from 4:30 p.m.). But one thing is already certain: For a reunion with Barty, Osaka would have to reach the final in Paris.