Naomi Osaka has lost a match after winning the opening set for the first time since 2016 after suffering a shock defeat to world No.27 Su-Wei Hsieh at the Miami Open.
The two-time grand slam champion had the opportunity to serve the match out in straight sets, but was unable to do so. Paving the way for Hsieh to prevail 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-3, in the third round. The roller coaster exchange between the two players saw nine breaks of serve, which five of those belonged to Osaka. Nevertheless, Hsieh managed to overcome her rival with the help of 25 winners as she won 69% of her first service points. Recording her second victory over a No.1 player after Simona Halep at Wimbledon last year.
“I was not thinking too much (during the match). This is my first time in the fourth round and the crowd was amazing.” A delighted Hsieh said afterwards.
“It’s always great to pick up your level throughout the match. Every time you achieve it and you beat a good player, you feel ‘wow this is everything, this is so amazing.’” She added.
In what was a rematch of their third round clash at the Australian Open, Osaka got off to a poor start. After dropping her opening service game to love, she then failed to convert four break point opportunities. Enabling Hsieh to race to a 3-0 lead with ease. Despite the blip, Osaka has previously proven her abilities to fight back against Hsieh. Recovering from 5-7, 2-4, to win their Melbourne clash earlier this year.
The world No.1 managed to find her footing in the match with the help of newly appointed coach Jermaine Jenkins. Trailing 1-4, Osaka sought the advice from her mentor during the changeover. Who told her to increase her energy levels and ‘put more shape’ into her shots. Jenkins’ comments proved pivotal as she went on to win the following five games to clinch the 6-4 lead. Doing so with the help of a love service game that concluded with an unforced error from across the court.
Known as one of the best front-runners on the women’s tour, the 21-year-old came unstuck as the match progressed. Osaka had won 63 consecutive matches after claiming the opening set and last lost when in that position back in 2016. Nevertheless, Hsieh’s combination of slice and angle shots proved too problematic.
Osaka looked set for a straightforward victory as she served for the match whilst leading 6-4, 5-4. However, a series of errors from the top seed enabled the Taiwan player to break. As the momentum changed, Hsieh continued to battle to snatch the second set by prevailing in a tense tiebreaker.
With all to play for, the cat and mouse chase continued. First, it was Hsieh to go down 0-2 in the decider, before once again working her way back. Hitting a variety of shots to force Osaka to continuously run around the court. Eventually she wore the Japanese player down. Osaka’s usually reliable serve abandoned her as Hsieh broke twice on route to a game away from victory. Victory was then sealed with the help of a delicate forehand volley at the net.
Since winning the Australian Open, Osaka has won three out of six matches played on the tour. Losing if the first round of the Dubai Open before falling in the fourth round at Indian Wells.
