Iga Swiatek v Naomi Osaka: Could this be next rivalry in women's tennis with Ashleigh Barty, Serena Williams out?

If there’s one thing the WTA Tour has been missing over the last five years it’s a top-tier rivalry. Which is probably why, after just the second career meeting between Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka, there were hopeful thoughts and musings that this could be a rivalry that grows, develops, evolves, and becomes the marquee match-up in women’s tennis for years to come. Wishful thinking perhaps at this stage, but the starting point is there.

Ad/> “Rivalries are what make the sport go around,” said Osaka after seeing her resurgent run ended in impressive fashion by Swiatek in the Miami Open final. TennisSwiatek, Alcaraz soar over Sunshine Double, but who else shone?YESTERDAY AT 09:29 “People want to see the match-up in different countries or different surfaces. I think that’s the most exciting thing about tennis is like you play in different altitudes, different conditions.

So yeah. I don’t know if she really considers me a rival, but sure, that would be fun." There is much to suggest this isn’t a true rivalry yet; Swiatek is world No.1 and has been the dominant force in women’s tennis this year, Osaka is No.36 in the rankings and has struggled for form over the last 10 months. Their only previous meeting before the Miami Open final was in Canada in 2019, when Osaka won in straight sets.

Why Alcaraz's 'miracle' breakthrough is 'stunning' for Nadal Swiatek reflects on sudden Barty retirement Swiatek shocked at 'mental toughness' after final But Osaka’s performance in Miami has much to answer for. She has not played this well at a tournament since she won the 2021 Australian Open. That was her fourth Grand Slam victory and even though it didn’t take her back to No.1 in the world rankings, she was arguably the best player in the