WTA Madrid Open 2021: Naomi Osaka vs Misaki Doi-Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

WTA Madrid Open 2021: Naomi Osaka vs Misaki Doi-Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

Naomi Osaka and Misaki Doi

Naomi Osaka will take on Misaki Doi in the First round of the WTA Madrid Open 2021. Osaka is currently the World no.2 on the WTA rankings and Doi is the World no.79.

Match Details

  • Tournament: WTA Madrid Open 2021
  • Match: Naomi Osaka vs Misaki Doi 
  • Round: First-round
  • Date: 30th April, 2021
  • Prize Money: $18,674
  • Venue: Madrid, Spain 
  • Surface: Clay Court

Naomi Osaka vs Misaki Doi: Match Preview

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka

Osaka started the year well, with a Grand Slam win at the Australian Open. This was after she had already won the US Open a few months before that. But since then, Osaka has not played much tennis. Her only other appearance was at the Miami open, where she lost in the Quarter-finals. A straight set loss to Maria Sakkari 0-6 4-6.

Last year, Osaka had decided to skip the short clay court season, and the only match she played on clay was a Fed Cup Qualifier in Feb 2020. A contest that she lost to Sara Sorribes Tormo in straight sets. Her first round opponent here is Misaki Doi of Japan.

FS Video

Doi has participated in two tournaments on clay this season, one was the Charleston Open where he was beaten in the round of thirty-two by Ash Barty. The other was one Charleston 2 where he lost (retired hurt) against Nao Hibino of Japan. 

YouTube video

Naomi Osaka vs Misaki Doi: Head-to-Head

Misaki Doi
Misaki Doi

These two players have met twice on the tour before, and Osaka has won both those encounters so she leads the head to head 2-0. The last time they met was at the US Open 2020, where Osaka won 6-2 5-7 6-2. 

Naomi Osaka vs Misaki Doi: Prediction

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka

One criticism of Osaka’s game has been her limited defensive ability. But it remains to be seen if Doi can expose that chink in her armor. Doi has a game which is based on fast movements on the court, a direct opposite of Osaka’s power game. Having said that, the last time these two players met Doi took Osaka to three sets. 

Match Prediction: Naomi Osaka will beat Misaki Doi in straight sets. 

Also Read: WTA Madrid Open 2021: Simona Halep vs Sara Sorribes Tormo-Preview, Head to Head and Prediction