In her first match in five months, Naomi Osaka secured a second round win of the Western and Southern Open on Monday, defeating Karolina Muchova, 26th-placed in sets of 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-2 of Monday.
The match was played without an audience. Only essential staff were present. Masks, gloves, and disinfectants were required under USTA safety guidelines.
Naomi Osaka reveals that she is nervous
In the post-match interview, fourth-seed Osaka revealed that she was nervous. He was playing on concrete after five months.
“I was really nervous. So I didn’t feel so free. I had a lot of doubts in my mind in the first set. In the second set, I felt more at peace with myself “, Osaka declared. “I realized there are some balls I have to try for”, Osaka revealed. “I feel like I have learned a lot throughout the course of the match, and I hope it is something I can do at a faster pace.”
The two-time Grand Slam champion earned victory after long hours of play, two hours and 33 minutes to be exact.
It was a slow start from both ends; however, both players found their hold in the upcoming sets.
After the win in the second set, Osaka became calmer and more confident. His game improved as he advanced with a 4-0 lead. Muchova gave a good fight. However, Osaka ended the game with his 12th ace of the day.
“I think the difference [between winning and losing] it was probably an attitude, “Osaka said during his post-game press conference.” In a way it comes down to attitude, because to me I feel like I’m more open when I’m calm, so maybe if I’m angry I wouldn’t be was able to apply the things I knew I was doing wrong. “
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Prospects of Osaka in Cincinnati
In the next round, Osaka will face Dayana Yastremska. The Ukrainian beat the American Bernarda Pera in three sets.
Osaka’s chances of winning the Cincinnati Masters look good after Karolina Pliskova and Sofia Kenin lost their first matches.
However, third-seeded and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and Belarusian world number 11 Aryna Sabalenka could meet Osaka in the semifinals.
In the interview, Osaka also said that for the moment he is focusing on this tournament.
After the end of the Western and South Open (Cincinnati Masters), the US Open will begin on August 31 at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center, New York.
