Naomi Osaka should get her act together, and quick! What this US Open has revealed is that there are many other younger players who are out to take her place if she doesn't get her s**t together.
I am a fan of Naomi that is why I am saying this, and it will be such a big waste for women's tennis if she lamely just complains about her mental health issues. She can very well afford the best sports psychologist in the world - and she should do that - because women's tennis will be much richer for it - if we have all the world's best competing in all the grand slams.
Now back to the hungry female warriors for the women's singles title in New York.
They all battled their way to get to the semi-finals and they all have fascinating back stories. And one of them is going to be elevated to champion status for the first time - by winning in Flushing Meadows.
Well, basing on her grit and her Houdini-like way of scrapping through a tight situation, i think this should be Leylah Fernandez's coming out party.
I am amazed at how she battled top player after top player - to reach the semifinal stage - Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and Elina Svitolina - all tennis b****hes of the highest order.
Her third set tiebreaker with Svitolina in the QFs was by far, for me, her most incredible display of how tough she is. I was so impressed Leylah never backed down.
It also helps a lot that her mixed race background gives her a unique charm - and yes - another top non-white player in a sport long dominated by white people.
I love Aryna Sabalenka, and her #2 ranking should make her the favorite to win this year's title, but i will be cheering more for Leylah Friday morning, Manila time.
As for the other side of the draw, I am charmed by the wily ways of British player, Emma Raducanu, who, in only her second grand slam, has already reached the semi-final. Her fragile slim figure hides her tough way of playing and she has enough confidence to really get her through to a title finish.
However, I am rooting for the scrappy, a bit masculine-like Greek player, Maria Sakkari. Maria has fought hard in many of her grand slam tournaments, and now, finally, the stars have all aligned, and with wins over marquee names like Petra Kvitova, Bianca Andreescu, and Karolina Pliskova, her wins over them, should give her the confidence she needs to get it to a higher level - even possibly - a grand slam title!
Just like Leylah Fernandez, she had to fight her way to beat three top players - to get to where she is - and she has shown incredible fighting spirit at very tight moments, most especially in her match against the former champion - Andreescu.
So, for me, I am looking forward to a Sakkari - Fernandez final. How about you? Who are you cheering for?
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