The draw for the French Open at Roland Garros has taken place this afternoon and it’s thrown up a potential belter for Naomi Osaka.
It’s the day that every player gearing up for glory looks forward to. Now, the top players will be plotting their route through the tournament with their eyes on glory in a little over a fortnight.
Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam winner having tasted success twice in Australia and twice at the US Open.
Last year, the 26-year-old didn’t play on the tour after taking a leave of absence to have her first child.
She returned at the Australian Open in January and Osaka was criticised by Martina Navratilova for her performance in a first-round exit.
Now, she is hoping to produce some of her best tennis – and given the draw she’s got she might need to do it pretty quickly.
Naomi Osaka could meet world-class player in French Open second round
It’s quite remarkable but Osaka could meet the world number one Iga Swiatek in round two at Roland Garros.
Both players will need to come through their opening matches but the stage looks set for an absolute classic in the first week.
Osaka will have to overcome Italian player Lucia Bronzetti first, with Swiatek set to meet a qualifier or a lucky loser.
The Japanese player will be desperate to prove her credentials to start winning the big titles once again.
She’s only reached one quarter-final this season to date and she will have to click into gear at some point.
Now, fans have been reacting and it appears that many are already fearing the worst for Osaka.
Fans all saying the same thing about possible Osaka vs Swiatek match at Roland Garros
It would appear that not many are giving Osaka a chance if fate determines that these two play each other.
Swiatek would be the heavy favourite given her credentials on clay and perhaps it would be a bit of a mismatch.
Both players are at different stages in terms of form right now and fans have taken to social media to deliver their verdicts after today’s draw.
One fan said: “Swiatek 6-0 6-1.”
Finally, another fan also wrote Osaka off, saying: “Bye Osaka.”
Osaka vs Swiatek – The tale of the tape
These two don’t have a rivalry as such to call upon.
The pair have met just twice in their careers, with Osaka winning once and Swiatek claiming victory on the other occasion.
Osaka defeated Swiatek in the Rogers Cup in 2019, winning 7-6 6-4.
When the world number one secured her win over the Japanese player she came through 6-4 6-0 at the Miami Open.
Both players have work to do first to set this clash up.
However, given the quality of both players when they play at their best, it would be great if the Roland Garros fan base could witness this spectacle take place.
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