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Browsing: Naomi Osaka
The 24-year-old withdrew from the Italian Open in May, though she did feature at the French Open later that month, where she bowed out to Amanda Anisimova in the first round. Osaka had previously suggested she might snub SW19 after the tournament was stripped of ranking points.
Up against 27th seed Anisimova, four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka never looked comfortable on her least favourite surface as she struggled to control her powerful game.
The four-time Grand Slam champion suffered the injury in her opening match in Madrid earlier this month, before struggling in a second-round loss to Sara Sorribes Tormo.
The world number one is now 7-0 for the season after winning the Adelaide International and has yet to drop a set, easing past the Italian 30th seed 6-2, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena.
Osaka’s absence was confirmed by organisers on Wednesday, with the Indian Wells Masters scheduled to take place from October 4 to October 17 after the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Former world number one, Simona Halep, dropped a further three places down the rankings to 12 after missing a large chunk of 2021 season due to a calf injury sustained in May.
Raducanu, ranked 150th, was the first British woman in 44 years to win a Slam crown after dispatching 73rd-ranked left-hander Fernandez 6-4, 6-3.
The 18-year-old from Montreal upset No. 16 seed and three-time Grand Slam singles champion Angelique Kerber of Germany yesterday to reach the U.S. Open quarterfinals, righting herself after an inconsistent first set to earn a 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The defending champion served for her third round match against Leylah Fernandez but fluffed her lines.
Ukrainian Svitolina is yet to drop a set this fortnight and recovered from a break down to take the first against the 12th seed.
The third seed allayed any fears about a lack of matches during what has been a turbulent year after her withdrawal from the French Open and decision to skip Wimbledon.
The world No 2 pulled out of the French Open in early June citing mental health issues, having refused to attend press conferences at the tournament.
Second seed Osaka, the favourite for the gold medal following Ashleigh Barty’s first-round exit, beat the Swiss 6-3 6-2.
The global face of Japanese sport carried the torch on its short final leg at the newly-built Japan National Stadium before walking the steps to light the flame and end an opening ceremony that took place with no spectators, save for 1,000 delegates and the athletes from 205 countries.
The great American has not had a particularly impressive season, losing early at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, but she remains the biggest star in the women’s game by a distance and would surely have been amongst the favourites to win the gold medal in the Japanese capital.
The decision comes after the No. 2-ranked player in the world pulled out of the French Open last week, citing her mental health.
Osaka had been fined $15,000 for refusing to fulfil her media commitments after a 6-4 7-6 (4) first-round victory over Patricia Maria Tig.
The Japanese player has been fined £12,900 (€15,000) after deciding to boycott press conferences at the tournament. Osaka announced on Wednesday that she would not be conducting press conferences at the tournament, which began on Sunday and runs until May 13.
World number two Nadal claimed his fourth Laureus award as he was recognised for his 13th French Open and record-equalling 20th major.