The Stats Zone
May 8 2024, 11:10 · Adam Evans

Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel Preview & Prediction | 2024 Italian Open | First Round

Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel Preview & Prediction | 2024 Italian Open | First Round

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

THE FACTS

What is this tournament classed as in terms of ranking points? WTA 1000

When is Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel on and what time does it start? Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel will take place on Wednesday 8th May, 2024 – not before 12:00 (UK)

Where is Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel taking place? Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel will take place at Foro Italico in Rome, Italy

What surface is Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel being played on? Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel will take place on an outdoor clay court

Where can I get tickets for Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel

What channel is Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel on in the UK? Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK

Where can I stream Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel live on Sky Go

THE PREDICTION

Former world number one Naomi Osaka has impressed so far in her comeback from a lengthy hiatus, since when she has become a mother for the first time, but the Japanese was far from her best on clay even at the peak of her powers. The 26-year-old reached the quarter-finals here back in 2019 but she has not won in Rome since then with Jessica Pegula upsetting here in her most recent appearance in 2021. World number 45 Clara Burel has struggled on clay in recent weeks, perhaps due to France’s sorry defeat to Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers on the surface last month, but she is just one place behind her career-high of 44th after starting 2024 in strong form on hardcourts. The 23-year-old would be capable of causing an upset in these conditions at her best but back Osaka, who has won in the first round in five of her eight tournaments so far since coming back, to make the second round.

TIP: NAOMI OSAKA TO WIN