Osaka Demonstrates Resiliency in Melbourne
It might have taken three sets for Naomi Osaka to come home victorious on Thursday, but the two-time Australian Open champion once again proved that going the distance is no daunting task.
With a 9-1 record in three-set matches at Melbourne Park going into her second-round match against Sorana Cirstea, Osaka did not sweat when she was forced into a decider. Two days earlier, she had won over Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic in a very similar way, bouncing back from a breakdown in the last set. Just like Tuesday, the form of Osaka was undeniable.
Dominance Through Power
Leading in the final set, the world No.16 had controlled the majority of the match. Osaka’s raw power was giving her Romanian counterpart headaches, as she blasted 22 winners which included nine off her formidable forehand.
However, a combination of 31 unforced errors from Osaka and Cirstea’s persistence saw the match go to a third set. A break in the first game of the decider demonstrated precisely why the Japanese No.1 had no reason to press the panic button. The 28-year-old was soon back to her rampaging best, and she went on to hit 16 winners to Cirstea’s two in the final set, ultimately cruising to a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win.
“Honestly I was just thinking that I hit a lot of unforced errors in the second set.”
“I also tried to have more freedom in the rallies,” Osaka said of her turnaround.
“I was really trying to hit on one side or trying to avoid her backhand”.
I just kind of gave myself a little bit more grace.”
Looking Ahead to the Next Challenge
Once again claiming a 3-set victory in Melbourne, Osaka feels that her fitness, combined with her will to stay in the tournament, helps her to close out these tight contests.
“I go into the third set knowing that I’m pretty good in terms of my fitness level.”
“I appreciate the balls that I’m getting, and it kind of surprises me sometimes, so I know that I’m fit enough to go into the third set pretty strong,” she explained.
“Also, since I really just love this tournament and I want to stay as long as possible, so that definitely motivates me.”
Osaka has only lost one Australian in her 10 Australian Open campaigns – against Ash Barty in 2018. On Saturday, she will be facing qualifier Maddison Inglis for a spot in the round of 16. Generally a fan favorite, the backing for Osaka is likely to be divided as Inglis sets out to continue her fairytale run.
Having beaten the likes of Serena Williams in enemy territory, most recently to win the US Open title in 2021, Osaka is looking forward to the challenge.
“I think the crowd is in quite engaging; it should be super fun.” I don’t believe I have played Maddison before,” she said. She’s obviously in the third round so she deserves to be here.’ She’s going to be a really hard opponent.”
Saurabh is a passionate tennis content writer and lifelong fan of the game. Whether it’s Grand Slam showdowns or under-the-radar rising stars, Saurabh brings the court to life with sharp analysis, breaking news, and deep-dive features. When they aren’t covering matches, you can find them practicing their topspin forehand or debating who is the GOAT over coffee. Do you enjoy tennis? Then you are in the right place.
