2021 US Open First Round – Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka taking place? Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka on and what time does it start? Tuesday 31st August, 2021 – not before 00:30 (UK)
What surface is Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka being played on? Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka
What channel is Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka on in the UK? Amazon have exclusive rights to show the 2021 US Open in the UK so it is worth checking the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs for Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka
Where can I stream Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Marie Bouzkova vs Naomi Osaka live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
MARIE BOUZKOVA
23-year-old Marie Bouzkova reached a career-high 46th in the WTA world rankings last season and should be able to get back there sooner or later. She finished runner-up to Daria Kasatkina at the Philipp Island Trophy at the start of the year and has made the latter stages of several other tournaments this season, although she carries a five-match losing streak into the US Open.
NAOMI OSAKA
Reigning US Open champion Naomi Osaka has struggled for consistency this season, even though she won her third Grand Slam title at this year’s Australian Open. The Japanese star spent a portion of time off the tour after a media furore surrounding her decision to pull out of press conferences at Roland-Garros, citing a need to protect her mental health that has been largely welcomed by fans and fellow players. Osaka has four Grand Slam titles overall, winning two here in 2018 and 2020 and also two at the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021.
THE PREDICTION
Osaka was the winner of her only previous meeting with Marie Bouzkova, beating the Czech in straight sets in the first round of the Australian Open last year. The 23-year-old has nothing to prove in terms of her champion quality here but her form could be a lot better coming into a major title defence and she has yet to defend a Grand Slam. Still, This first round draw should be a reasonable procession for Osaka. Take this to fall in two comfortable sets to the reigning champion.
