Indian Wells Champion Naomi Osaka has launched her campaign at Charleston Open with a comprehensive 6-4, 6-4, win over Jennifer Brady.
The 10th seed, who is making her fourth consecutive appearance in the event, utilized her power to tame any threat post by the world No.82. After getting off to a shaky start that saw her go behind 0-2, the Japanese player responded by breaking Brady twice during the first set. Capitalising on the American’s woeful first serve, which only landed in 42% of the time.
Extending her dominance, Osaka broke immediately at the start of the second set. Admirably Brady illustrated glimmers of her best tennis with some heavy-hitting, but she was not consistent enough to trouble Osaka. Who converted her second match point with the help of an unforced error from her rival.
“For me, I guess, it’s that I can’t really hit winners that much and that the points are longer.” Osaka commented about switching from the hard courts to clay.
The world No.21 is aiming to continue her strong run from March. After winning her first title of any sort in Indian Wells, she then defeated Serena Williams in Miami. An achievement that she still struggles to comprehend.
“It didn’t feel real. Just to serve, just to hit a ball and see that it’s Serena on the other side was kinda a little bit scary.” She recounted about playing Williams. “I just tried to have fun and I’m glad I was able to play her.”
This year the 20-year-old is bidding to reach the last eight of the tournament for the first time in her career. To achieve that, she may have to defeat fifth seed Julia Goerges in the third round. Prior to a potential showdown with Georges, Osaka will take on comeback kid Laura Siegemund. The German is playing in her first WTA event since May after being sidelined by a knee injury. In her first round match, she disposed of Russia’s Natalia Vikhlyantseva 7-5, 6-2.
Elsewhere, Australia’s Daria Gavrilova overcame a scare to edge out Ons Jabeur 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. Hitting just 13 winners in the match compared to his rivals tally of 35. She will take on Italy’s Camila Giorgi next. Mihaela Buzărnescu also booked a placed in the second round after her opponent, Vera Lapko, retired due to a knee problem.
Stephens out
Recent Miami Open champion Sloane Stephens has withdrawn from Charleston due to fatigue. Two days ago, she defeated Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets to win her first title since last year’s US Open. She was set to be the fourth seed in the tournament.
“I’m so sorry to announce I won’t be playing in Charleston this week,” Stephens said in a statement. “My run to the title in Miami last weekend has left me completely exhausted/fatigued both physically and mentally. I don’t feel prepared to play my best and therefore its in my best interest to get some rest.
“I want to thank Bob Moran and Eleanor Adams for all their support over the years, Charleston is truly one of the best events on the tour and I sincerely look forward to playing again many times in my career. I wish the best of luck to all the girls this week.”
Stephens will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Dayana Yastremska. A 17-year-old Ukranian player that finished runner-up at the 2016 Wimbledon girls championships.
