'Afraid Of Letting My Partner Down': Osaka On Playing Mixed Doubles At US Open
WTA
Naomi Osaka is open to playing mixed doubles at the US Open but worries about letting her partner down during matches.
The Japanese star usually thrives during the North American hardcourt season. That is demonstrated by the US Open titles she won in 2018 and 2020, the first of which was her maiden Grand Slam title.
However, Osaka has struggled during this year's North American swing. The 24-year-old is on a three-match losing streak, with her only victory coming against Qinwen Zheng at the Silicon Valley Classic.
Those losses continue a difficult 2022 season for Osaka. Before the swing in North America began, she parted with Wim Fissette, her coach for the 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open title wins.
Playing doubles is a method some players use to try and find some momentum. Teaming up with someone and not being alone on the court can be helpful to some. Doubles is often played in a more relaxed atmosphere as well.
Osaka recently admitted she has considered competing in the mixed doubles at the US Open but is yet to fully commit because she is concerned about letting her partner down.
"I kinda want to play mixed doubles in US Open cause I’ve never played a full match in my life but I’m also very afraid of letting my partner down."
There are probably many ATP players willing to play doubles with someone of Osaka's class. It is difficult to speculate on who Osaka might like to partner with, but she has not ruled out the possibility of it happening.
Osaka signing up for the mixed doubles would certainly give more attention to doubles, which usually takes a backseat to the women's and men's singles. The four-time Grand Slam champion still has over a week to decide whether to play doubles.
