Naomi Osaka vs Angelique Kerber Prediction & Betting Tips - Women's Olympic Tournament

Prediction published on 26/07/2024, 10:21  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 26/07/2024 at 10:25 in Tennis Predictions

World number 102 Naomi Osaka will play world number 217 Angelique Kerber at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. They will square off in the first round with the winner battling Caroline Garcia or Jaqueline Cristian next. Here’s a look at the match preview after which we’ll offer a prediction.

The two have met six times but this is the first time they are doing so at the Olympics. Osaka defeated Kerber the last time they faced off. That was in Miami two seasons ago. She has won twice in this fixture and will hope to rise to the occasion once again against her fellow former world number one.

The Japanese star, who has claimed a 16-13 record this year, made her Olympic debut in the last edition in Tokyo.

Kerber announced that this year’s Summer Games will be her last tournament as a pro tennis player. She will, therefore, hope to make the most of it and possibly secure another podium finish. The German won Silver at the 2016 games in Rio.

Kerber returned to the tour this year after taking time off for the birth of her child last year. It has been a difficult return for the three-time major winner. Kerber has found it hard to win consistently and has so far lost 14 times in 21 outings.

She is currently on a five-match losing run and has been defeated three times in six clay matches. Despite her poor form, the 36-year-old will fancy her chances here given her strong record in this fixture.