Former World No. 1 Osaka, now ranked 134, was appearing in only her second Grand Slam since giving birth to her daughter last July
A disappointed Naomi Osaka during her 6-7, 6-1, 5-7 Rd-2 loss to World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Pic/AFP
Naomi Osaka said she wept after Wednesday’s epic French Open defeat to Iga Swiatek, but insisted: “I’ve felt worse.”
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The Japanese star led 5-2 in the final set of a pulsating second-round clash and even had a match point. But defending champ Swiatek rallied to a 7-6 (7-1), 1-6, 7-5 win, staying on course for a fourth title in Paris and fifth Grand Slam crown.
Former World No. 1 Osaka, now ranked 134, was appearing in only her second Grand Slam since giving birth to her daughter last July.
“It was the most fun match I’ve ever played, the atmosphere was incredible, it was very memorable for me I’ve felt worse, that’s for sure,” said Osaka, 26, who is keen to take the positives from the match which extended close to three hours and where she unleashed 54 winners.
“I cried when I came off court, but then I thought of how last year I was watching Iga win the French Open while I was pregnant. My dream then was to come and play against her, so when I think of that I try not to be too hard on myself. I’m a hard court kid; I’d like to play her on a hard court,” added Osaka, after a match win which she won more points, had 17 more winners and more service breaks—five to three.
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