Naomi Osaka Falls in Madrid Open First Round Thriller

(The Post News)– Naomi Osaka’s Madrid Open run was cut short on Tuesday after a tough three-set defeat to Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, who edged the four-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

Back on the tour after a 15-month break, Osaka showed moments of brilliance, especially in the second set where she broke serve three times to force a decider. But inconsistency proved costly in the third. She dropped serve early, broke back for 3-3, only to be broken again the very next game. Bronzetti closed out the match after Osaka slipped chasing a wide cross-court shot.

Ranked 55th, Osaka looked rusty at times, missing key break opportunities in the first set and struggling to maintain momentum. Bronzetti, meanwhile, stayed composed and strategic, mixing up her play with clever drop shots that helped her secure vital points.

The Italian admitted that facing a player of Osaka’s calibre is never easy but was proud of how she managed the challenge. She now faces world No 5 Madison Keys in the second round and expects another demanding battle.

For Osaka, the focus shifts to regaining consistency as she continues her comeback on the clay court circuit.