After nearly two months since withdrawing from the French Open, Naomi Osaka made her first appearance in a WTA tournament at the ongoing Cincinnati Open. However, she suffered a defeat to unseeded Jil Teichmann in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

While this result could dent her confidence, it also has bigger ramifications in the WTA rankings. Projections show the 2020 US Open champion will lose her World No. 2 status this Monday.

Naomi Osaka to drop to World No. 3 after Cincinnati Open exit

Osaka withdrew from the French Open after winning her opening match against Patricia Maria Tig. After skipping the post-match press conference, she cited mental health issues as the reason for her withdrawal. She skipped the subsequent Wimbledon Championships and other WTA 1000 tournaments leading up to the grass-court Grand Slam.

The new WTA rankings system froze any changes in rankings for a significant period of time during the COVID-19 crisis. However, Osaka‘s withdrawals this year meant she lost significant opportunities to gain ranking points. In addition, the 585 points she gained from reaching the finals of the Cincinnati Open last year get docked since it’s outside the 52-week rolling period.

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Although her Round of 16 exit this year got her 105 ranking points, it will not be enough to keep her World No. 2 standing. Hence, the US Open defending champion will defend her title in Flushing Meadows as the World No. 3.

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Aryna Sabalenka to achieve a new career-high ranking of #2

The Belarusian will replace Osaka as the new World No. 2 this Monday. Despite suffering a shock exit in the Cincinnati Open in the Round of 32, Sabalenka‘s performance in Wimbledon is enough to get the points needed to move ahead of the Japanese tennis star.

Achieving World No. 2 status further highlights the 23-year-old’s rise, although she’s yet to win a Grand Slam. Although the Belarusian remains a favorite, expect Osaka to mount a stiff title defence in Flushing Meadows despite her stunning exit from Cincinnati.

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