2019 French Open - (1.) Naomi Osaka vs. Victoria Azarenka

[Enceladus]

Two-time GS winners, current and former WTA No. 1 against each other.
Osaka showed poor performance in the first round against AKS and advanced with good luck.
Azarenka eliminated 2017 RG champion Ostapenko in the first round.

What are your predictions before this match? I expect Azarenka to win.

 

[Enceladus]

Predictions:

Spoiler: Tennis.com

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2019...-day-5-osaka-vs-azareka-serena-vs-nara/82025/
Court Suzanne Lenglen begins with a eye-opener on Thursday: a match between the current WTA No. 1 and a former WTA No. 1—a match, in short, that deserves a better time slot than 11 A.M. local time (5:00 A.M. EDT). Osaka and Azarenka have split their two previous meetings, but neither was competitive: Vika beat a neophyte Naomi 6-1, 6-1 at the 2016 Australian Open, while Osaka beat Azarenka 6-0, 6-3 when Victoria was on the comeback trail in Rome last year. This match should be closer, because both of the losers of those matches are much better than they were then. Especially Osaka, who has won 15 straight matches at majors. Winner: Osaka

Spoiler

https://lastwordontennis.com/2019/05/29/french-open-day-5-predictions-naomi-osaka-victoria-azarenka/
Tracey:
If Victoria Azarenka brings in a high first-serve percentage, this will be an epic battle. You have an out-of-from and out-of-sorts Naomi Osaka who nearly lost in the first round to a much less capable player than Azarenka. But, even when down, you cannot count Osaka out. The World #1 simply finds a way to win, even when it’s not pretty.
Prediction: Osaka in 3

Jay:
Osaka got lucky in her first round as Schmiedlova couldn’t quite close the match out. Azarenka is playing brilliantly at the moment and I don’t see Osaka beating her.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2

Brett:
The potential Azarenka/Ostapenko winner vs Osaka Round 2 match was the first thing everybody noticed when the draw came out. Luckily for tennis fans, Osaka was able to come back defeating Schmiedlova after the Slovakian served for the match twice. Osaka is going to have to take her game to the next level if she wants to get past Azarenka. I think Azarenka gets through here in what should be one of the best matches of the tournament.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3

 

[Down_the_line]

I predict Osaka will be fine in this match. Her "form" last match was just typical WTA. She was randomly struggling and spraying errors against a heavily inferior opponent. What else is new? Typical for a high ranked WTA player (not that it happens all the time, but it is common). In other words, I don't think Osaka's last match was indicative of her form, per se. She could just as easily come out and take out Aza in straight comfortable sets.

Either way, Osaka to win, in quite possibly 3 sets.

 

[Pheasant]

This is a very dangerous early round match for Osaka. I see this going 3 sets. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Azarenka won.

I am taking Azarenka in 3.

 

[oldmanfan]

Osaka is a big match player. This is the kind of match she savors.

Naomi-chan in 2.

 

[enlightenment]

Could be match of the tournament on the wonen’s side

 

[upchuck]

This is a fascinating match between the second and third best female players of the decade.

 

[malbaker86]

This is a fascinating match between the second and third best female players of the decade.

No Kerber?????

 

[icedevil0289]

Ohh important hold for Osaka

 

[Down_the_line]

Good, gutsy hold by Osaka to start set 2. Hopefully she plays a much cleaner set here and forces it to a 3rd.

 

[Raindogs]

Don't look now but Naomi starting to ball a little bit finally.

 

[upchuck]

No Kerber?????

Kerber got lucky. Azarenka and Osaka have higher peaks and can more reliably play great tennis.

 

[Down_the_line]

Ugh, Osaka had Azarenka down 0-40 at 2-1. Before you know it now she's down a break 3-2.

 

[RaulRamirez]

Just tuned in a few games ago - this is great stuff. Osaka is not yet proficient on clay, but she is quite mentally tough. Azarenka is playing, moving and (unfortunately) shrieking well...a great player, but annoying.

 

[icedevil0289]

Just tuned in a few games ago - this is great stuff. Osaka is not yet proficient on clay, but she is quite mentally tough. Azarenka is playing, moving and (unfortunately) shrieking well...a great player, but annoying.

Just curious because idc either way but does grunting not bother you? I feel like if one is going to dislike it they should dislike it all

I will say she does have a rather unique sound she makes

 

[icedevil0289]

Damn 3 sps but naomi not able to clinch it. Vika doing well to fend them off

 

[icedevil0289]

And to a 3rd set some really great tennis

 

[NastyWinners]

Horrible drop shot but great anticipation by Vika.

 

[Down_the_line]

FINALLY Osaka breaks and takes set 2 7-5!

 

[Wander]

This is certainly the best match on the women's side so far.

 

[NastyWinners]

Where the hell did Vika go lol

 

[Raindogs]

Vika leaving for an extended sh1t and shower apparently. What garbage, and then "running" back on court.

 

[RaulRamirez]

Just curious because idc either way but does grunting not bother you? I feel like if one is going to dislike it they should dislike it all

I will say she does have a rather unique sound she makes

I guess that not all grunts and shrieks are created equal.

Now, there may be something approaching a double-standard here, as it's the frequency(?) and sheer volume that Sharapova and Azarenka hit that drive me crazy. There's something about both of them that strikes me as being extremely self-centered. Monica Seles, back in the day, drove me crazy with her shrieks, although I liked her as a person (although great as she was, her overall style wasn't appealing to me).

I admit that Nadal's grunting doesn't bother me. It doesn't strike me as gamesmanship, and he certainly rewards the fans with great effort.

 

[RaulRamirez]

Vika leaving for an extended sh1t and shower apparently. What garbage, and then "running" back on court.

And Osaka got a time warning while waiting for the crowd to stop chanting. WTF!

 

[icedevil0289]

I guess that not all grunts and shrieks are created equal.

Now, there may be something approaching a double-standard here, as it's the frequency(?) and sheer volume that Sharapova and Azarenka hit that drive me crazy. There's something about both of them that strikes me as being extremely self-centered. Monica Seles, back in the day, drove me crazy with her shrieks, although I liked her as a person (although great as she was, her overall style wasn't appealing to me).

I admit that Nadal's grunting doesn't bother me. It doesn't strike me as gamesmanship, and he certainly rewards the fans with great effort.

I've never found vika and her shrieks self centered although well Maria is a different story it's just always interesting when I see people say they cant stand the shrieks of the wta but never say anything about grunts when those can get very annoying. Idk what effort has to do with anything vika has been showing immense effort this match. She isnt even a fav of mine either but I find in general people are hypocritical when it comes to the wta. I dont even like Maria or her shrieks but that's because I just dont like her.

 

[Soianka]

Vika leaving for an extended sh1t and shower apparently. What garbage, and then "running" back on court.

She's up to her old tricks?

 

[icedevil0289]

And Osaka got a time warning while waiting for the crowd to stop chanting. WTF!

That warning was odd

 

[RaulRamirez]

I've never found vika self centered although well Maria is a different story it's just always interesting when I see people say they cant stand the shrieks of the wta but never say anything about grunts when those can get very annoying. Idk what effort has to do with anything vika has been showing immense effort this match. She isnt even a fav of mine either but I find in general people are hypocritical when it comes to the wta. I dont even like Maria or her shrieks but that's because I just dont like her.

I hear you, although I am not a WTA detractor, as so many on this forum appear to be. And yes, both Vika and Piva are tough competitors. Perhaps, we're both analyzing something that is really more if a visceral reaction, right? Great match, by the way....and I do see greatness in Osaka!

 

[RaulRamirez]

That warning was odd

At best.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Osaka breaks and leads 3-1 in the 3rd.

 

[icedevil0289]

I hear you, although I am not a WTA detractor, as so many on this forum appear to be. And yes, both Vika and Piva are tough competitors. Perhaps, we're both analyzing something that is really more if a visceral reaction, right? Great match, by the way....and I do see greatness in Osaka!

Well I will refrain from commenting on Maria as a competitor lol but yes Osaka has shown some really great stuff. She seems show up for slams or has been recently, other tournaments..not so much. Speaking of wta I dont understand how they label their non slam tournaments. ATP is much easier to follow you have your masters 1000, 500 etc and you know how much each is worth, I csnt keep up with these premiere mandatory or w/e they are called

 

[underground]

Naomi just doesn't know how to lose in slams does she

I guess that not all grunts and shrieks are created equal.

Now, there may be something approaching a double-standard here, as it's the frequency(?) and sheer volume that Sharapova and Azarenka hit that drive me crazy. There's something about both of them that strikes me as being extremely self-centered. Monica Seles, back in the day, drove me crazy with her shrieks, although I liked her as a person (although great as she was, her overall style wasn't appealing to me).

I admit that Nadal's grunting doesn't bother me. It doesn't strike me as gamesmanship, and he certainly rewards the fans with great effort.

IMO it's only gamesmanship if you suddenly grunt out of nowhere after an hour on an important point to distract your opponent. Well, apart from a couple of *really* obnoxious grunts on the men's tour...

 

[RaulRamirez]

Well I will refrain from commenting on Maria as a competitor lol but yes Osaka has shown some really great stuff. She seems show up for slams or has been recently, other tournaments..not so much. Speaking of wta I dont understand how they label their non slam tournaments. ATP is much easier to follow you have your masters 1000, 500 etc and you know how much each is worth, I csnt keep up with these premiere mandatory or w/e they are called

That also has me confused (and I sometimes grunt in frustration).

 

[Wander]

Azarenka can't live with Osaka's new-found level of tennis anymore.

 

[Wander]

Well I will refrain from commenting on Maria as a competitor lol but yes Osaka has shown some really great stuff. She seems show up for slams or has been recently, other tournaments..not so much. Speaking of wta I dont understand how they label their non slam tournaments. ATP is much easier to follow you have your masters 1000, 500 etc and you know how much each is worth, I csnt keep up with these premiere mandatory or w/e they are called

To be fair, Osaka was showing up with surprisingly good level on the clay this year, but had to withdraw from two quarter-finals with injury.

 

[NaomiKonjuhPotapova]

I hear you, although I am not a WTA detractor, as so many on this forum appear to be. And yes, both Vika and Piva are tough competitors. Perhaps, we're both analyzing something that is really more if a visceral reaction, right? Great match, by the way....and I do see greatness in Osaka!

About grunt...

Thiem is also loud (Maybe Chatrier got more mic?) but I got used to it anyway.

Vika is done.

 

[Raindogs]

HAHA time to go home you shrieking insufferable crybaby. Good solid win for Naomi.

 

[icedevil0289]

To be fair, Osaka was showing up with surprisingly good level on the clay this year, but had to withdraw from two quarter-finals with injury.

Oh you are right, forgot about the injury

 

[Soianka]

Naomi is really following in Serena's footsteps with these epic comebacks

 

[icedevil0289]

Idk what happened in this 3rd set but damn naomi good job

 

[Soianka]

Naomi just doesn't know how to lose in slams does she



IMO it's only gamesmanship if you suddenly grunt out of nowhere after an hour on an important point to distract your opponent. Well, apart from a couple of *really* obnoxious grunts on the men's tour...

Was Vika being quiet during the first set? I don't remember hearing her grunting at all. Then I had to leave to go to school so I haven't seen set 2 and 3.

 

[Soianka]

Osaka is something very, very special.

If she somehow wins the FO - her first 3 slams won in a row - it would be amazing.

 

[NaomiKonjuhPotapova]

Uhm, lost a bit of concentration here.

 

[RaulRamirez]

Idk what happened in this 3rd set but damn naomi good job

She is mentally strong. She got herself out of some very tough jams against both Pliskova and Kvitova at the AO. She's young and also puts herself into some jams.... I'm a huge fan.

 

[RaulRamirez]

Was Vika being quiet during the first set? I don't remember hearing her grunting at all. Then I had to leave to go to school so I haven't seen set 2 and 3.

I missed the first set, but hard to imagine her not shrieking.

 

[Soianka]

I missed the first set, but hard to imagine her not shrieking.

Yeah, I agree. But I truly don't remember hearing loud shrinking and she usually annoys me with it. But maybe I was too focused on the match and how badly Naomi was playing to notice.

 

[Raindogs]

Come on Naomi, I need you to be better than this right now.
For your worldwide fans and Team Nissin, please finish this shrieker off.

 

[RaulRamirez]

Yeah, I agree. But I truly don't remember hearing loud shrinking and she usually annoys me with it. But maybe I was too focused on the match and how badly Naomi was playing to notice.

Naomi is showing she can overcome slow starts. She has lots of resolve...also credit Vika for continuing to fight.

 

[icedevil0289]

She is mentally strong. She got herself out of some very tough jams against both Pliskova and Kvitova at the AO. She's young and also puts herself into some jams.... I'm a huge fan.

I like her well enough and def do enjoy seeing her play. Sometimes her fans can be a bit much imo in how they use her to **** on serena and still talk about uso when clearly she has moved on. She def has some bandwagon fans though I suppose all top players do. She has shown a lot of promise and I'm glad she won because idk how I feel about the idea of pliskova being no.1

 

[Pheasant]

Wow. Azarenka is hanging on like a pit bull. This quite the match.