Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula, two of the most prominent names in women’s tennis, have made a surprising decision on their road to Wimbledon 2025. Both players have withdrawn from the prestigious HSBC Championships, also known as the Queen’s Club Championships, a tournament widely regarded as a key grass-court warm-up before the third Grand Slam of the year.
Tournament organizers recently confirmed their withdrawal, leaving fans and tennis insiders curious, as this event is traditionally seen as a crucial step in Wimbledon preparation.
Skipping Queen’s: a bold new approach
According to Sports Illustrated journalist Pat Benson, “The Queen’s Club, located in London, England, is considered the main warm-up for Wimbledon. However, there are other grass-court tournaments available for players to prepare.”
Osaka and Pegula’s decision suggests a shift in strategy-possibly opting for a more personalized or controlled build-up. Their choice adds intrigue to how this change might affect their performance at SW19.
French Open setbacks still fresh
Both players are coming off disappointing runs at Roland Garros. Naomi Osaka was eliminated in the first round by Spain’s Paula Badosa, while Jessica Pegula exited in the fourth round after losing to French wildcard Lois Boisson.
These early exits may have played a role in the decision to take a different route toward Wimbledon-potentially prioritizing rest, recovery, or alternative competitions with less intensity.
All eyes on Wimbledon
With Wimbledon just weeks away, Osaka and Pegula will be looking to bounce back and make a statement on the grass courts of the All England Club. Whether this unconventional approach pays off remains to be seen.
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