Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka made a surprise first-round exit at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, falling to Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
Returning on clay after a break of 15 months from tennis, the former world No. 1 gave flashes of her quality but was gradually outlasted by Bronzetti, ranked 48th in the world. The Italian broke Osaka in the seventh game of the first set and held her nerve to take the advantage. Osaka bounced back strongly in the second, breaking three times and forcing a deciding set, despite spurning two early break points.
Bronzetti took an early break in the third set and though Osaka fought back to tie at 3-3, she was broken again in the following game. The loss was a disappointment for the Japanese star, who fell while pursuing a cross-court winner on match point.
“It’s always tough playing a great champion like her,” said a smiling Bronzetti. “I think I managed the match well, and I’m proud of that. I attempted to change the game a little with drop shots, which went pretty well.”
Bronzetti progresses to face world No. 5 Madison Keys in the second round, looking to build off one of the biggest victories of her career.
