Naomi Osaka ousted in French Open first round, mulls skipping Wimbledon

Naomi Osaka was ousted from the French Open in the first round, falling to Amanda Anisimova 7-5, 6-4 on Monday.

The American has an impressive record against Osaka. Anisimova also halted Osaka’s run at the Australian Open in January.

Job done ✅@AnisimovaAmanda is into the second round, dismantling Naomi Osaka 7-5 6-4. #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/k1TPiUkgpY

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 23, 2022

Osaka struggled with her serve throughout the contest, landing only 45 percent of her first serves and double-faulting two break points to give Anisimova the advantage. The 20-year-old beat Osaka in rallies as well, firing 27 winners to the star’s 13.

“It’s tough to see Naomi Osaka in the first round so I knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Anisimova said. “I knew I had to play my best tennis and the conditions were not easy.”

After her early exit from the Grand Slam, Osaka said she is unsure of her next move, but not because of the loss.

She told reporters she may skip Wimbledon after the major was stripped of its ranking points. The WTA announced the decision Friday following Wimbledon’s ban of Russian and Belarusian players due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Osaka said she is motivated by watching her ranking go up, so if that incentive is absent from the Grand Slam, she may rethink her grass season.

“I feel like if I play Wimbledon without points, it’s more like an exhibition. I know this isn’t true, right? But my brain just feels that way. Whenever I think something is like an exhibition, I just can’t go at it 100%,” said Osaka. “I didn’t even make my decision yet, but I’m leaning more towards not playing given the current circumstances.”

The former world No. 1 did not compete in Wimbledon last season, skipping the major to focus on her mental health.