Closing out the night session on Day 2, the matchup between Naomi Osaka and Danielle Collins could either be a heavy hitting thriller or something of a damp squib depending on the fitness levels of both women. Osaka is 3-0 in this match up with two wins during her time at the top but also adding her third win in Miami this year when plenty of questions were asked about her will to perform at the highest level.
Collins has had another stop start year after showing so much promise in Australia, where she made the final. Injuries have plagued her again with just two matches played after Roland Garros, the second of which was a loss to the World No. 154 in Lausanne. She has not been seen since playing that match in mid July so is unlikely to be in great shape coming into this one.
Many hoped that Osaka’s Miami title after some poor form and struggles with the limelight would be the turning point but it has been anything but for the former No.1. Now back outside the Top 40, she has gone 2-5 since then with all losses coming against the type of player she would have defeated with ease during her peak.
“She’s a very big power player. or me, I always feel like I have to be on top of it because, like, as soon as I hit a shorter ball or something, then she’ll immediately be the aggressor. For me it is a tough match, but at the same time I’m kind of relieved I’m playing someone that I know because I could have easily played against someone I have no information on. That in itself is also quite tough.” Osaka said on Collins. This one may well turn into a battle of mind and body, something that seems much harder to predict although Osaka at least should be match ready.
Prediction – Naomi Osaka in straight sets
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