Naomi Osaka will start her grass season at the 2024 Libema Open against the fourth-seeded Elise Mertens.
The Japanese player last stood on the tennis courts in Paris, where she battled Iga Swiatek. It was a spectacular match by Osaka, who blasted north of 50 winners en route to almost beating the Polish number one, who would lift the trophy some 10 days after their match.
That was a highly encouraging performance from the former world no. 1, who will try to bring that same level to grass. She doesn’t have a lot of experience on it, but it’s a surface that should suit her with her strong serve and really solid hitting.
However, Mertens will be a very tricky first-round opponent at the WTA 250 tournament. The Belgian is solid on the grass herself, and more importantly, she has bested Osaka this year already.
Head-to-head:
They’ve played a few matches so far, but most of those were played a few years ago. The last match before the one in Indian Wells happened in 2021. It was an odd match from Osaka, who greatly struggled in the rallies.
Mertens was very solid, keeping the ball in play, while Osaka never quite found her best rhythm. It happens sometimes, but it’s still a matchup that favors her because there is not much Mertens can do when Osaka starts blasting winners.
| Naom Osaka | Elise Mertens | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | H2H | 2 |
| 134 | Rank | 27 |
| 26 | Age | 28 |
| 13-10 | 2024 W/L | 16-13 |
| 278-158 | Career W/L | 431-250 |
Prediction:
Osaka will go as far as her serve takes her because it will play a major factor on grass. Her hitting is very good, but the movement could be a bit shaky. Still, she’s good enough to win this match and probably even this tournament.
Prediction: Naomi Osaka to win in two sets.
