Naomi Osaka accomplished an escape from both injury and tears that allowed her to be on the Japan Open quarter-finals’ list on Wednesday as she defeated the defending champion Suzan Lamens 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-2 in a thrilling match.
It’s been three years since Osaka has played in her home country. The first seed of the tournament fought with her pain, which could be seen, and her disappointment. After an Osaka 5-0 run in the third set, she had to be treated for her left leg during a medical break.
She came back to the court with strong taping on her leg and without any drop, broken two games during which she was lost, and then after 2 hours 20 minutes, she got the win.
While the four-time major winner hit the winning shot on the backhand and covered her face, she looked emotional and at the same time, trying to hold her tears back. The net was a place she met the opponent and said, “I was full of emotions during the game,” and “In the third set, I just did my best without any regret.”
Osaka took some painkillers, but her leg was not feeling good. She also said “My leg doesn’t feel good, but I’m sure I’ll get better soon.” The thirty-two-time WTA winner will play against Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian in the next round.
