Naomi Osaka advances in Doha as Lesia Tsurenko withdraws due to injury. Sad news for Lesia, but a big day for Naomi. She’s into her 1st quarterfinal in 695 days. Let’s go, mama. 🇯🇵❤️🇯🇵
"Greatness doesn't disappear": Chris Evert lauds Naomi Osaka after reaching first Quarter-Final since return
WTAWednesday, 14 February 2024 at 20:00
Naomi Osaka has received praise from a tennis legend in the form of Chris Evert after she advanced to the Quarter-Finals of the Qatar Open albeit through walkover defeating Lesia Tsurenko. It is a first since 2022 at the Miami Open.
Osaka had previously defeated Caroline Garcia and Petra Martic to book her spot and was convincing in both wins. It marked Osaka's third win of the season having previously suffered early exits in Brisbane, Melbourne and Abu Dhabi. Evert was delighted by the signs shown of form from Osaka saying that it was a matter of time.
The four-time Grand Slam champion returned in January after a 15-month maternity break with the former World No.1 now showing signs of a return to form after Roland Garros and Wimbledon were mooted as best case scenarios for her. US Open at the worst so in reality it isn't expected yet so is a bonus.
"It was just a matter of time. Greatness doesn’t disappear…. @naomiosaka #patience," wrote Evert on X.
"Naomi has shown us so much compassion and kindness during her career that I think that’s going to translate that into caring for another human being," Chris Evert told Eurosport previously about the 26-year-old.
"It's going to be very healthy and almost healing for her,” Chris Evert added. “I'm really happy for her because I think it's meant to be. I think everything happens for a reason, and it just takes all of the pressure off her and it takes all of the attention off her."
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