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TOKYO OLYMPICS: Barty opens against Spaniard; Osaka meets Chinese number two


Ash Barty faces a tough start to her Tokyo Olympics campaign against a young Spaniard, whilst second seed Naomi Osaka faces the Chinese number two. 

Wimbledon champion and world number one Barty will be eager to get her Olympic debut off to a winning start as she takes on Sara Sorribes Tormo in her opener.

Barty, who is currently 35-6 for 2021, has achieved her dream by winning Wimbledon, though earlier admitted that she grew up wanting to be an Olympic medallist.

The meeting in Tokyo will be the first ever match between the pair, though Barty will be aware of the threat of her opponent, with the Spaniard winning 11 of her last 13 matches on the hard court.

World number two Naomi Osaka will make her long-awaited return to competitive action after a two month break from the sport.

The Japanese star will meet 52nd-ranked Saisai Zheng of China in the opening round and possesses a 2-1 head-to-head record against her opponent.

Third seed Aryna Sabalenka faces perhaps the toughest test of the top three ranked players as she meets Polish star Magda Linette in her opening fixture.

Number 10 seed Petra Kvitova, who is the only remaining medalist from Rio in the absence of gold medal winner Monica Puig and Angelique Kerber, takes on Italian Jasmine Paolini.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.