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Naomi Osaka aims to win the Roland Garros – Can the former World No.1 do it?

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Osaka doesn’t have good memories from the last edition of the French Open, she had withdrawn mid-way through the tournament

Naomi Osaka is back in the WTA professional circuit after a long break and has her eyes firmly set on the next Grand Slam. The four-time Grand Slam Champion and former World No. 1 is yet to win the Roland Garros. She hasn’t ever made it beyond the third round of the tournament.

Osaka was out of action for quite some time citing mental health issues. She had taken a break from tennis for more than 3 months which means her world ranking has dropped drastically and she is currently placed 82nd in the world. Osaka is now back in the big picture and aims to win her 5th Grand Slam title in the same tournament she had withdrawn from, last year.

April 30, 2021, MADRID, MADRID, SPAIN: Naomi Osaka of Japan in action during his Women’s Singles match against Misaki Doi of Japan on day two of the WTA 1000 – Mutua Madrid Open 2021 at La Caja Magica on April 30, 2021 in Madrid, Spain

In the 2021 Roland Garros edition, Osaka made her entry into the tournament as the second seed. Shortly before the tournament, Osaka announced that she would not conduct her mandatory media assignments.

Osaka won her first match but refrained from attending the post-match press conference. As a result, she was fined US$ 15,000 and threatened with rising levels of fines and expulsion for violating tournament regulations.

The next day, Osaka announced her withdrawal from the tournament citing mental health issues. Her move sparked a fresh debate on the importance of mental health issues among everyone and especially for athletes who are always under a high-pressure situation. Osaka has since then become one of the leading figures in the mental health awareness campaign around the world.

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Naomi Osaka is set to make a special return to the Indian Wells Masters

The Japanese star is all set to make a special return to the tournament where she won her maiden title. The tournament organizing committee has announced that the 2018 Champion has been given a Wild Card entry.

Osaka, a 4-time grand slam Champion is currently ranked no. 82 in the world after taking a break from competitive tennis in 2021 citing mental health issues. Osaka is delighted to make a return to this event. “To return to the Indian Wells where I won my first big title, it’s special. It was special in 2018 and it will be special again this March”, she said.

Japan’s Naomi Osaka poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup trophy after defeating Jennifer Brady of the US in their women’s singles final match on day thirteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 20, 2021. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

Osaka has won the very first tournament she played since returning back from her break – the Melbourne Summer Set 2022. However, she had a disappointing run in the Australian Open, losing to Amanda Anisimova in the third round. Osaka will be looking to put up a good performance at the Indian Wells, a tournament she loves. A good string performance will definitely put her in the groove for the Roland Garros in two months’ time.

Osaka is scheduled to face Sloane Stephens in her first-round match at the Indian Wells tomorrow.

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Sarbik Dutta

My heart races on the F1 track and tennis courts, translating the adrenaline of each moment into words. While F1's speed thrills and tennis's finesse captivate me, my passion doesn't stop there. As a devoted follower of cricket, football, and various Olympic sports, I find myself engulfed in the highs and lows of these games. Through my writing, I aim to share the stories behind the stats, the emotions fueling the victories, and the struggles that define the journey of athletes across diverse disciplines. Being a voice that echoes the fervor of these sports is a privilege I cherish every day.

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