Naomi Osaka is set to compete in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Open. As an unseeded player, she has been given a challenging draw and may potentially face the top seed, Elena Rybakina, in the second round if she manages to defeat Danielle Collins in the first round. In a recent interview, Rybakina acknowledged Osaka’s skill and described her as a formidable opponent, regardless of her current form.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, recently returned to tennis after taking a year-long break due to her pregnancy. Her performances in the Brisbane International and the 2024 Australian Open were not particularly impressive, as she was eliminated in the second round of the former and the first round of the latter.
Rybakina made a practical observation about Osaka’s current form, noting that it will take time for her to regain her original level of play and adjust to the competition. Despite Osaka not being at her best, Rybakina anticipates a tough battle if they face each other in the second round. It is worth mentioning that Rybakina and Osaka have never played against each other at the professional level.
Currently, Rybakina holds a significant advantage in terms of rankings and form compared to Osaka, who is still working towards her peak performance. Rybakina has already won a title at the 2024 Brisbane International, her first tournament of the year, giving her a head start. Although her campaign at the Australian Open was cut short with a loss in the second round, she remains the favorite to win if she indeed faces Naomi Osaka.