Naomi Osaka could miss Wimbledon due to ranking points removal

The Japanese star doesn't know whether or not she's going to compete at Wimbledon (Image: Getty)

Naomi Osaka has advised she might skip Wimbledon this summer season as a result of absence of rating factors on provide on the grand slam.

In response to the All England Membership’s determination to ban Russian and Belarusian gamers as a result of struggle in Ukraine, the ATP and WTA each lately introduced the removing of rating factors at this yr’s Wimbledon.

Though there'll nonetheless be the status of taking part in at tennis’ oldest championship, the lack to maneuver up the rankings with a powerful efficiency will scale back the occasion to an exhibition in line with many gamers.

Talking after her first-round defeat to Amanda Anisimova on the French Open, Osaka mentioned: ‘I’m unsure why, however I really feel like if I play Wimbledon with out factors, it’s extra like an exhibition.

‘I do know this isn’t true, proper? However my mind similar to feels that means. At any time when I feel one thing is like an exhibition, I simply can’t go at it 100%.

‘I didn’t even make my determination but, however I’m leaning extra in direction of not taking part in given the present circumstances, however that may change.’

Earlier this yr, when Wimbledon confirmed they'd be refusing the entries of Russia and Belarusian gamers, the choice sparked controversy within the tennis world.

Rafael Nadal believes Wimbledon had been improper to ban Russian and Belarusian stars (Image: Getty)

Grand slam champions Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal hit out on the transfer and urged chiefs at SW19 to vary their minds.

In the meantime, Ukrainian gamers corresponding to world No.33 Elina Svitolina praised the All England Membership for his or her strategy.

Osaka, a former world No.1 and four-time grand slam winner, has not performed at Wimbledon since 2019 after taking an prolonged break from tennis final summer season and is eager to play on the grass in south-west London once more.

Nevertheless, with out rating factors up for grabs, she says it might be onerous for her to compete at a excessive stage.

She added: ‘I'd like to go simply to get some expertise on the grass court docket, however on the identical time, for me, it’s sort of like – I don’t wish to say pointless, no pun supposed.

‘However I’m the kind of participant that will get motivated by seeing my rating go up or like stuff like that. So I feel the intention was actually good, however the execution is sort of all over.’

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