Naomi Osaka played some of her best-ever tennis at this year’s Wimbledon Championships.
The Japanese star, a winner of four major titles, had historically struggled on the grass surface at Wimbledon; failing to advance past the third round in five attempts.
Osaka changed the narrative this year, beating Daria Kasatkina and Aryna Sabalenka en route to the quarter-finals.
If you were in charge of tennis, what is the first rule you would change?
The two-time Australian Open champion has now proven that she is a key contender for Grand Slam titles once again; and there are three reasons why she could return to major title-winning form later this year.
Naomi Osaka’s serve
Osaka’s serve has always been a dangerous weapon on a tennis court.
However, at this year’s Championships, Osaka’s serve seemed to reach another level.
Despite only reaching the quarter-finals, Osaka served the third most aces of any player competing in the women’s singles event.
In fact, the Japanese star served nine more aces than Coco Gauff; despite the American reaching the semi-finals.
Most aces at this year’s Wimbledon Championships
- Karolina Muchova – 45
- Linda Noskova – 43
- Naomi Osaka – 37
- Coco Gauff – 28
- Aryna Sabalenka – 26
- Amanda Anisimova – 26
If Osaka can maintain this excellent form on serve, she will most certainly challenge for the US Open title.
Naomi Osaka has experienced winning the US Open
Experience is a valuable factor in any Grand Slam run, and Naomi Osaka has plenty to call upon when she embarks on her 10th US Open campaign later this year.
The 28-year-old is a two-time champion in New York; winning the title in 2018 and 2020.
She also reached the semi-finals of last year’s event, beating the likes of Coco Gauff and recent Wimbledon finalist Karolina Muchova.
Osaka seems to perform at her best when competing in front of the New York crowd, and who would bet against her having another magical run at this year’s event?
Naomi Osaka’s Grand Slam titles
- 2018 US Open: defeated Serena Williams in the final, 6–2, 6–4
- 2019 Australian Open: defeated Petra Kvitová in the final, 7–6, 5–7, 6–4
- 2020 US Open: defeated Victoria Azarenka in the final, 1–6, 6–3,
- 2021 Australian Open: defeated Jennifer Brady in the final, 6–4, 6–3
Naomi Osaka has proven she can beat the best once again
Early in her career, Osaka made a habit of upsetting the odds against big-name players.
A perfect example of this would be the 2018 US Open, where Osaka defeated tennis legend Serena Williams to win her first major title.
However, after three consecutive defeats to Aryna Sabalenka earlier this year, one had to question whether the Japanese star still had the tools to defeat the very best on the WTA Tour.
It seems she still possesses these qualities, as demonstrated by her superb victory over Sabalenka at Wimbledon.
Osaka dominated the contest from start to finish, utilising her serve and movement to great effect throughout.
If Osaka can relocate this form in New York, she has every chance of winning her fifth Grand Slam title.
