Naomi Osaka reacts to her Madrid defeat by Aryna Sabalenka
Naomi Osaka lost to world number one Aryna Sabalenka in three sets at the Madrid Open, despite holding a set and a break lead. She expressed frustration but noted progress in her game, particularly on clay, compared to last year. Osaka remains optimistic heading into the Italian Open, where she is seeded and has had past success. Though she acknowledged the tight nature of the match, she emphasized her desire to beat top players, not just hypothetical opponents.
- ▪Naomi Osaka lost to Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(1), 3-6, 6-2 in the second round of the Madrid Open.
- ▪Osaka had previously hinted at retirement after an early exit at the Miami Open but showed improvement on clay in Madrid.
- ▪She is now ranked world number 15 and will be seeded at the upcoming Italian Open.
- ▪Osaka has reached the quarterfinals in Rome before, most recently in 2019, and has won nine of 15 career matches there.
- ▪Despite the loss, Osaka said she feels in a better place physically and mentally than she was at the same time last year.
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