I was going through my photos from my time in Singapore. I was lucky enough to get to the first day of play at the WTA Finals in 2015 and I got a chance to see a match between young Naomi Osaka and Caroline Garcia. Come to think of it, Osaka’s right shoulder was heavily taped at that time, so this shoulder issue is not new.

Osaka Won Future Stars Event

Osaka came back from a deficit to defeat Garcia to win the Future Stars Tournament title and we knew she was destined to go places. Osaka got to a career high of number one in January of this year; she has already won two major titles, so she is guaranteed to get into the Hall of Fame, but I think she wants more.

Osaka’s Shoulder Issue Returns

Hopefully this shoulder issue is nothing serious and she can rehabilitate it fully during the off-season. I applaud her wise decision to withdraw and avoid doing more damage or irreparable damage to her shoulder. While ending the year as the number one ranked player is a great accomplishment, I vote for health first always. If she gets the right physical therapy and do the work, she can heal her shoulder fully and get many more chances to end the year ranked as number one.

Shoulder Issues Are Worrying

Yet a shoulder injury is a big concern for tennis players, Maria Sharapova had to change her game completely after her shoulder surgery; thus, Osaka needs to take all the necessary precautions to prevent this injury from worsening. While it may not be possible given that a tennis player is constantly using their shoulders, so perhaps she should take a few months off and just rest the shoulder.

It’s a pity she had to withdraw though, because she got her first win at the WTA Finals on Sunday; she defeated Petra Kvitova 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-4. Kiki Bertens as the first alternate took her place and won her match today.

SOURCE OF IMAGES: serveandrally originals