5 players who could get to the top in women's tennis

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka has been a fresh face for tennis in Japan, in a time where Kei Nishikori has been perhaps the only noticeably big star from the country. The 19-year-old is currently ranked 52 on the circuit and been making steady inroads ever since.

Nearly 6 feet tall, Osaka has an immensely powerful serve, one that is very reminiscent of her all-time tennis idol – Serena Williams.

Although her 2017 season has been hit-and-miss so far, Osaka had a stellar 2016 season, particulary at the Australian Open. Ranked 127^th at the time, Osaka came through qualifying to meet top-20 seed Elina Svitolina, dispatching her in straight sets, before an eventual battle and loss to former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka.

Last year, she made the finals of her home event in Tokyo, defeating World No. 12 Dominika Cibulkova and 20th-ranked Elina Svitolina before seriously taxing former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki ,who eventually won.

Osaka closed the year with a big almost-win – over powerful Russian ace and former World No. 1 Svetlana Kuznetsova.

The teen has received high praise from none other than her own idol, Serena Williams. “I have seen her play,” Williams said in an interview late last year, “she’s really young and really aggressive. A very talented player.”

Having hit her career-highest ranking of World No. 42 last year, Osaka should look to get the ball rolling again and capitalize on the remainder of the hard-court season; she is through to the Round of 64 at the women’s singles, defeating qualifier Risa Ozaki of Japan.

After a win over experienced Chinese player Shuai Zhang, who is seeded 30^th – the Japanese ace will see a real test of both nerve and skill against top 10 player Madison Keys.