WTA Madrid: Naomi Osaka is subject to Karolina Muchova
Naomi Osaka was eliminated in the second round of the WTA Tour 1000 tournament in Madrid. The second in the world rankings was defeated by Karolina Muchova 4: 6, 6: 3 and 6: 1.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: May 02, 2021, 01:05 pm
Karolina Muchova, who had already set her first scent mark by reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open this season, got off to a better start, winning the first act against the Japanese woman who was second, 6: 4.
In the second set Osaka was quickly confronted with a 3-1 deficit, then won five games in a row and thus equalized after 80 minutes of play. The favorite was now closer to the baseline, dictating the rallies with her forehand. So the few spectators in the Caja Magica were served a third movement.
Osaka now in Rome
And the Czech got off to a better start, taking a 3-0 lead. Muchova defended well - and and picked up the pace at every opportunity. Especially with longline balls, both from the forehand and backhand side. And if necessary, Osaka helped out with weak returns. The break to 5: 1 finally ensures clear relationships. Muchova will face either Maria Sakkari or Anette Kontaveit in the round of 16.
For Osaka it was the first, the second appearance on Asche 2021. In contrast to most of the other players from the top of the world, the four-time major winner did not take part in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. In round one of Madrid Osaka had bigger problems with compatriot Misaki Doi, especially in the first set. After the defeat against Muchova, it will continue in Rome next week.
Here the single tableau in Madrid
madridmap