Paris Olympics 2024: 5 blockbuster 1R matches ft. Naomi Osaka vs Angelique Kerber
Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber are two of several Grand Slam champions competing at the Paris Olympics. Not too many, however, have been drawn against each other in the opening round.
Besides the Osaka-Kerber opener, there are plenty of match-ups that should generate excitement.
And here, we have listed out five such first-round encounters — from the women’s and men’s singles draws — that promise top-drawer action at the Paris Olympics.
#5 Naomi Osaka vs Angelique Kerber
Both Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber received an ITF entry into the Paris Olympics, given their status as former World No. 1s and multi-time Grand Slam champions. It is thus befitting that they play each other in the first round.
Kerber, who won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Games, has already announced that the Paris Olympics will be her last tournament as a professional and so she will be extra motivated to go out on a high.
The match will pit Osaka’s firepower against Kerber’s distinct counterpunching skills in a battle royale of contracting styles, offering a treat for fans. Kerber leads the head-to-head 4-2.
#4 Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Marcos Giron
Two big ball-strikers — Felix Auger-Aliassime and Marcos Giron — will lock horns in the opening round of the men’s singles event.
Giron, in particular, has been in good touch, having lifted his first career title last week at the Hall of Fame Open, a feat that helped the American climb to a career-high ranking of No. 38.
Auger-Aliassime, meanwhile, will look to turn over a new leaf after a slow start to the year. He possesses the necessary skills to make a comeback, and his dominant 3-1 head-to-head lead against Giron adds to his advantage.
#3 Zheng Qinwen vs Caroline Garcia
China has emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the Olympic stage in recent years, but its medal tally in tennis stands at a lowly two (including one gold). Zheng Qinwen will be keen on changing that.
The Chinese No. 1 is among the top seeds at this year’s Olympics, but she will be up against an inspired player in the form of former World No. 5 Caroline Garcia.
Garcia, the Frenchwoman, favors a big-hitting style and will be aggressive with her shots, especially since she will be playing at home. Her flat groundstrokes offer a stark contrast to Zheng's topspin-heavy shots. While clay courts typically benefit Zheng's style, Garcia's powerful groundstrokes pose a significant challenge. The two have never met before.
#2 Taylor Fritz vs Alexander Bublik
Big serving, flat and pacey hitting—that’s what one can expect when Taylor Fritz and Alexander Bublik step out for their first-round encounter at the Paris Olympics.
Fritz has been in good form of late, having made the second week at both Wimbledon and the French Open. The American will be looking to carry that momentum into the quadrennial event.
Bublik, meanwhile, continues to impress with his dynamic game, although he is sometimes inconsistent. He won the title at the Open Sud de France and made the Dubai final earlier this year, but a lot will depend on the level that he can produce on the given day. One advantage he holds is his head-to-head record, leading Fritz 3-2 in their past encounters.
#1 Coco Gauff vs Ajla Tomjlanovic
Coco Gauff is one of the big favorites to bag a medal at the Paris Olympics, given her second seeding and affinity for clay.
The youngster, however, will need to find her stride quickly as she takes on the ever-dangerous Ajla Tomjlanovic in the first round. The Aussie, who has battled numerous injuries over the course of her career, is back competing after yet another health scare last year.
Tomjlanovic recently made the final in Birmingham and will look to build on the momentum. It will be a battle for supremacy between two of the Tour’s best backhands when these two step out on court. They have never played each other before.