Naomi Osaka leaves Wimbledon start open
Naomi Osaka could not compete at Wimbledon this year. That was what the Japanese said after her first round at the French Open.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: May 25, 2022, 08:49 pm
The excitement after the eagerly awaited first round duel between Amanada Anisimova and Naomi Osaka hadn't even really evaporated when the Japanese, who lost in two sets, made the next headline. Due to the fact that there will be no points at Wimbledon this year , she does not yet know whether she will even start in London, Osaka told the journalists present in Paris.
"I would say that the decision affects my mentality of playing on grass. I'm not 100 percent sure I'll go there," said Osaka, who has never progressed past the third round at Wimbledon. For this reason, she would have liked to have gained additional experience at the third Grand Slam tournament of the year - but without points, the matter is no longer so appealing.
"I'm one of those players who gets motivated by seeing the ranking go up," said the former world number one. Without points - although not quite comparable - Wimbledon would feel "like an exhibition" in her head. Therefore, Osaka in south-west London probably cannot give 100 percent.
Osaka tends to cancel
However, the 24-year-old does not want to make a final decision just yet. "I haven't made a decision yet, but I tend not to play given the current circumstances. That can change," Osaka said.
Previously there had been mixed reactions from the players. While Marton Fucsovics expressed his displeasure, Dominic Thiem was much more diplomatic. "I think it's a difficult decision and probably very painful for some players. The real problem is in Ukraine and we hope there will be peace there soon," said the Austrian.