Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka rumors swirl around Wimbledon doubles partnership

Rumors are swirling that Naomi Osaka could team up to play mixed doubles with Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon.

The four-time Grand Slam champion has confirmed she will play mixed doubles at the All England Club, but did not reveal who her partner would be.

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“I really tried to focus on my net game, because I’m going to play mixed doubles at Wimbledon. I know, shocking, right?” Osaka told reporters.

“I’m shocked too. Your eyes have become super big.

“I really don’t want to disappoint the person I’m playing with because every time I play doubles I always say, ‘Sorry, I’ll try not to be a liability’.”

When asked if she would name her partner, Osaka added, “If that person sees it and they want to answer, they can do it, but I don’t know. Isn’t it more fun to do it? see when it’s about on time?I’m pretty sure if you wanted to guess you could guess who it is.

Osaka’s response has fans wondering if Kyrgios is the mystery man who will join her on the most famous grass tennis courts. Although the Aussie has suggested he won’t partner Thanasi Kokkinakis in the men’s doubles in London, the door is still open for the mixed doubles draw – which he has already taken part in.

Last year Kyrgios played alongside Venus Williams and in 2019 he and Desirae Krawczyk were partners.

Could we see Kyrgios and Osaka together? (AAP Image/Scott Barbour)Source: AAP

Earlier this year, Kyrgios shared a Instagram video of Osaka watching him work on his serve.

“Quick session in LA with @naomiosaka. Analyzing my serve for every little detail… Her thirst for learning was pretty epic to see from a champ like her,” Kyrgios wrote.

This clip saw tennis fans calling for the pair to team up and they could get their wish as social media speculated that a new partnership could be unveiled at Wimbledon.

In response to Osaka’s cryptic response, English sports journalist James Gray tweeted: “The obvious answer is Nick Kyrgios, but I would just caution that with Kyrgios saying he won’t be playing in double at Wimbledon this year after winning the Australian Open with Thanasi. Kokkinakis. Maybe he was just talking about the men’s doubles, of course.

Journalist Kiran Gupta wrote: “A little late to the party but it seems pretty clear that Osaka is going to team up with Kyrgios at Wimbledon (unless it’s someone a little less obvious like Murray or Tsitsipas ).

“On the grass, it’s going to be WILD. Good luck breaking their serves!

Tennis writer Musab Abid added: “Osaka hasn’t revealed who his mixed doubles partner will be, but if I had to guess, I’d say Kyrgios.”

An injured Osaka made an exit in the second round of the Madrid Open on Monday, losing 6-3 6-1 to home favorite Sara Sorribes Tormo.

Osaka has revealed she suffered an Achilles injury after her debut win over Anastasia Potapova and it limited her performance against the tireless Spaniard.

It was the Japanese star’s second straight defeat against Sorribes Tormo, who qualified for a round of 16 showdown with Russia’s Daria Kasatkina.

Osaka, playing with tape on his left leg, lost serve in game three as Sorribes Tormo extended the rally to draw errors from his 24-year-old opponent. But the Spaniard’s lead didn’t last as Osaka fought back immediately to level the score 2-2.

Sorribes Tormo, however, won four of the next five matches to win the first set in the 49th minute.

Osaka was broken at the start of the second and called the doctor, who gave her ibuprofen for the pain.

Sorribes Tormo, 25, got through the second set and the competition was over in less than 90 minutes.

Osaka isn’t too concerned about Achilles’ problem, but admits she could have handled the injury better by taking painkillers earlier than she did.

“I feel like I couldn’t play the way I wanted, like I was limited. So there are several things that I thought I could do better from the previous game, but I just couldn’t do it. “, explained Osaka.

With AFP

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