Naomi Osaka looked comfortable in her first match at the Italian Open, defeating 45th-ranked Clara Burel 7-6 (2), 6-1 on Wednesday. It was Osaka’s first clay-court victory since beating Victoria Azarenka at the French Open in 2019.
Naomi Osaka was pleased with how she remained mentally focused after surrendering her serve while serving for the opening set at 5-3. “Just being able to hang in there and eventually close it on my terms is something that I’m very proud of myself for,” she stated. Also read: Quiet Aryna Sabalenka Cleans Ahead of Good Friend Paula Badosa in Miami Second Round
It’s also Osaka’s first time playing in Rome since 2019, when she reached the quarterfinals. Osaka, who was once ranked No. 1 but is now No. 173 following a maternity leave, served eight aces and produced 27 victories to her opponent’s 10. She will next face 19th-seeded Marta Kostyuk, who recently advanced to the final of a clay event in Stuttgart, Germany.
Bernarda Pera defeated Caroline Dolehide 7-6 (6), 6-3, and will now face top-ranked Iga Swiatek; Magda Linette defeated Zhu Lin 6-3, 6-2; Brenda Fruhvirtova defeated Taylor Townsend 3-6, 6-2, 6-0; and Lesia Tsurenko defeated Donna Vekic 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (5).
Rafael Nadal, the record 10-time Rome champion, faces Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs on Thursday. Also read: Jannik Sinner To Play In French Open only if 100% fit
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, who is also returning to Rome after a month away, is in the opposite half of the draw from Nadal. However, second-ranked Jannik Sinner and third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz withdrew due to injury.
Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini also withdrew, citing a series of physical difficulties. Also read: Boris Becker discharged from bankruptcy court in England