[Updated] Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka to face off at charity match ahead of Australian Open

  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

[Source]

Editor's Note: The charity match has reportedly been canceled after both players withdrew for "precautionary reasons."

Chinese British tennis player Emma Raducanu and Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka are set to face off at a charity match ahead of the Australian Open.

Moving the news: The match, set to take place at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park on Tuesday, will be the first time Raducanu, 21, goes up against Osaka, 26, on the court.

Trending on NextShark: Jo Koy responds to criticisms after hosting the 2024 Golden Globes

Catching up: Both tennis stars have just returned to the Women's Tennis Association tour from their months-long hiatus this January.

Osaka won her first match in months against Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch 6-3, 7-6 (11-9) at the Brisbane International on New Year’s Day but lost in the second round against Czech tennis player Karolina Pliskova 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4 on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Raducanu made a victorious return to tennis at the Auckland Classic on Jan. 1 after defeating Romanian tennis player Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. She lost to Ukrainian top seed Elina Svitolina 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 1-6 in the next round on Thursday.

Trending on NextShark: Parents of Filipino American teen missing for 3 weeks asks for public’s help

What’s next: Fans can expect to see Raducanu and Osaka in the main draw of the Australian Open, which will begin on Jan. 14. The first tennis major tournament of the season will run until Jan. 28.

After the charity match, Raducanu is set to participate in an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic, which will begin on Wednesday up to Friday.

Trending on NextShark: Celebrities speak out in defense of Jo Koy amid Golden Globes hosting criticism

Download the NextShark App:

Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!