Naomi Osaka to play at US Open, 'Big Three' to lead men's field

The world number two had withdrawn from this year’s French Open and Wimbledon on mental health grounds, but is scheduled to play at the Tokyo Olympics and then in Montreal next month.

Published : Jul 21, 2021 23:21 IST

Japan's Naomi Osaka stunned the tennis world when she quit the French Open in May this year after being threatened with DQ for not attending pressers (File Photo).
Japan's Naomi Osaka stunned the tennis world when she quit the French Open in May this year after being threatened with DQ for not attending pressers (File Photo).
lightbox-info

Japan's Naomi Osaka stunned the tennis world when she quit the French Open in May this year after being threatened with DQ for not attending pressers (File Photo).

Naomi Osaka will defend her title at the U.S. Open, organisers said on Wednesday, after she withdrew from this year's French Open and Wimbledon on mental health grounds.

Japan's Osaka stunned the tennis world when she quit the clay-court major in Paris in May following her first-round match after being fined and threatened with disqualification when she refused to attend mandatory post-match press conferences.

The world number two, who said she had social anxiety, also skipped Wimbledon but is scheduled to play at the Tokyo Olympics and then in Montreal next month.

RELATED |Tokyo 2020: Sania's experience, my enthusiasm could be surprise weapon, says Ankita

Osaka will be part of a women's field at the U.S. Open that will also include world number one Ashleigh Barty, who lifted her second major title at Wimbledon earlier this month.

A total of 15 major winners, including Simona Halep and Garbine Muguruza, are scheduled to feature in the women's field at Flushing Meadows.

In the men's section, former champions Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal -- currently tied for the men's record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles -- will resume their quest for more silverware in New York.

ALSO READ|Tokyo Olympics: The Games more relevant than ever, says Murray

World number one Djokovic, fresh from his third major triumph of 2020 at Wimbledon, is aiming to become the first man since Australia's Rod Laver in 1969 to complete a calendar year sweep.

Another former champion, Andy Murray, who is currently ranked 104, failed to make the main draw but remains the first player on the alternate list.

The U.S. Open will be held with 100% fan capacity from August 30 to September 12.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment