Chris Evert sends warning about Naomi Osaka's US Open chances

Naomi Osaka was once the top-ranked player on the WTA tour. What is somewhat easy to forget is that Osaka is only 26 years old still, and has won four Grand Slams. She hasn't played like a major title winner in a while, but that doesn't mean she isn't capable of doing so.

Osaka received a wild card to enter the US Open main draw so she will not have to go through qualifying in order to have a real chance at making a deep run at the event. That she received a wild card is part of the normal process for someone who has won an event before and has taken time away from tennis for personal reasons instead of a lack of form.

Osaka missed more than a year due to being pregnant and the birth of her child. No woman has won a Grand Slam since 1980 after giving birth and tennis has changed a lot since 44 years ago. The conditioning of players is better, the technology is different, and the tennis schedule is different.

Chris Evert discusses Naomi Osaka's chances to win the US Open in 2024

This does not mean Osaka cannot win the US Open, of course, because she has won the event before. But she hasn't won any tournaments since 2021 and taking time away, whether the player is male or female, probably means a long road back to playing at a high level again.

18-time major winner Chris Evert knows all about winning at a high level, of course. She is also one of tennis's best commentators. When she speaks about a subject, she does so with forethought and elite observance. She knows what kind of form a player has to be in to win a Grand Slam.

Speaking with the Los Angeles Times ahead of next week's start to the 2024 US Open, Evert talked about the chances Osaka has to win her third US Open. Evert isn't sure Osaka is ready to take the trophy, but she also doesn't believe the Japanese player can be counted out.

Evert said, "(Osaka is) going through some doubtful times. We’ll see if she can get that magic because it is the U.S. Open. She has won this title, so let’s see if she can get that magic going. I think her story, her journey, remains to be seen. I know she has the game, but it takes more than the game. It takes a lot of confidence and a lot of focus. We’ll see."

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