July 02, 2025: Naomi Osaka’s path at Wimbledon 2025 may have seemed to open up after No. 5 seed Zheng Qinwen crashed out in the first round—but in reality, the former world No. 1 now faces a potentially tougher challenge in Katerina Siniakova, the very player who sent Zheng packing.
🎾 Osaka vs. Siniakova: A Clash of Styles
Katerina Siniakova, ranked No. 1 in doubles and once as high as No. 27 in singles, has proven to be a dangerous floater in the draw. Her flat-hitting, grass-friendly game gives her an edge on the surface—and she now holds a 3-1 record against Zheng, including two Wimbledon wins.
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“She robs you of time,” said Prakash Amritraj. “She goes hard up the middle and makes you hit uncomfortable balls. She forced a bunch of errors off Zheng’s forehand. Osaka may struggle with that kind of pace.”
Lindsay Davenport, 1999 Wimbledon champ, noted: “Siniakova is a very good grass-court player… But this is a good section of the draw for Osaka if she can make her way through. I’m torn.”
📊 Head-to-Head: Tied 1-1
- Last Grand Slam Meeting: Siniakova def. Osaka – 2019 Roland Garros
💬 Expert Predictions:
- Jim Courier: “I don’t like Osaka’s chances. She’s probably the oddsmakers’ favorite, but I’d take Siniakova.”
- Amritraj: “Probably a 50-50, but I lean towards Siniakova.”
- Davenport: “Osaka is fitter and working hard—something is coming for her soon.”
🔙 Osaka’s Wimbledon History:
- Best finish: 3rd Round (2017, 2018)
- 2024: Lost in Round 2 to Emma Navarro
- 2025 Lead-up: 1 win at Bad Homburg (vs. Danilovic), otherwise a quiet grass season
🏟 Match Info:
- Round: Second Round
- Court: No. 2 Court
- Date: Wednesday, July 3
- Time: TBA
🔎 The Stakes:
For Osaka, this match represents more than just a chance at the third round—it’s a critical test of her post-maternity comeback and evolving grass-court game under new coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
For Siniakova, it’s a chance to back up a massive upset and reach a deeper stage at a Slam where she’s often been under the radar.