Naomi Osaka’s Direct Entry Into the Main Draw After Camila Giorgi’s Withdrawal Spells Good News for Ukrainian Star Dayana Yastremska

After being out since her Australian Open loss, Naomi Osaka is set to make a comeback at the 2022 WTA 1000 BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells). However, there’s some good news for World No. 78 before the start of the hard-court event. The Japanese player, who was initially given a wildcard entry in the tournament, has now been given a direct entry into the main draw following the withdrawal of World No. 30 Camila Giorgi.

Osaka’s direct entry into the main draw has not just benefitted her. Following her direct entry, the wildcard, which was previously given to Osaka, has now been given to World No. 103, Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska.

2022 for Osaka and Dayana

Naomi Osaka started her 2022 season at the WTA 250 Melbourne Summer Set 1. She cruised through the first three rounds, reaching the semi-finals. However, she was forced to retire just before her semi-final match after suffering an abdominal injury. Moving ahead, she entered the Australian Open as the 13th seed. However, failing to stand against the heavy shots of Amanda Anisimova, the defending champion crashed out in the 3rd round at Melbourne Park. The 4-time Grand Slam champion has been out of the tour since then.

On the other hand, Dayana Yastremska experienced a qualifying round exit in Melbourne Summer Set, and 1st round exits in Adelaide International 2 and the Australian Open. Raising her game, she made a comeback in Dubai, reaching the quarterfinal. However, what followed next is one of the most difficult times experienced by Dayana.

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Following the Russian Ukraine conflict, Dayana along with her family was forced to stay in underground parking for two nights. On 25th February, the Ukrainian took to her Instagram, updating her followers that she along with her sister are moving out of Ukraine. The very next day, 26th February, the Ukranian took to her Twitter, updating that she and her sister are safe in France.

Moving to France, the 21-year-old participated in the WTA 250 Open 6e Sens Métropole de Lyon (Lyon Open), ending up as the runner-up in the tournament.

Naomi Osaka and Dayana Yastremska at the Indian Wells

Naomi Osaka first played at the Indian Wells in 2016, crashing out in the qualifying rounds. Coming back in 2017, Naomi reached the third round this time. However, the best was left for the future. In 2018, the Japanese player climbed her way up, beating Daria Kasatkina in the finals to win the BNP Paribas Open. Osaka last played at the Indian Wells in 2019, where she suffered a fourth-round loss.

On the other hand, Dayana Yastremska has just appeared twice at the Indian Wells. She first played at the Indian Wells in 2019, suffering a first-round defeat. She next played in 2021, suffering a second-round loss to 21st seed Paula Badosa.

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