Osaka battles past Bronzetti, setting up potential Swiatek clash at French Open
Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, survived an early scare to defeat unseeded Italian Lucia Bronzetti 6-1 4-6 7-5 in the first round of the French Open on Sunday, earning her first victory at Roland Garros in three years.
Osaka, who returned from a 15-month maternity leave this year, lost in the first round of the Australian Open in January but appeared to be on her way to the second round in Paris as the former world number one bombarded Bronzetti from behind the baseline.
However, Osaka nearly imploded in the decider, squandering a 4-0 lead before sealing victory in the two-hour contest and potentially facing Iga Swiatek in the second round if the reigning champion defeats French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean on Monday.
"I'm honestly really excited. I watched her (Swiatek) a lot when I was pregnant," Osaka told reporters.
"And honestly, I think it's an honour to play her in the French Open, because she's won more than once here. It's a very big honour and challenge for me."
Osaka dominated the first set on a gusty Philippe Chatrier court, finishing in 28 minutes, but her unforced errors increased dramatically in the second, allowing Bronzetti to break at 5-4 and force a decider.
However, the 26-year-old Japanese player regained momentum in the final set and had the opportunity to break for a 5-0 lead.
But she appeared to lose control of the tie as world number 67 Bronzetti clawed her way back into the contest, earning Osaka's applause on some winners while frustrating the Japanese, who pounded the red dirt when the third set was tied at 4-4.
Osaka regained her composure and pounced for a crucial break in the 11th game to seal the back-and-forth battle.
"I was, in my head, thinking I didn't win a match in Australia so I'd really love to win one here. Obviously that wasn't a good train of thought," Osaka said when describing her mental state during the match.
"Yeah, I kind of focused on it a bit too much instead of trying to play point by point. I think towards the end I was able to erase that thought from my head."
"But I would love to not have to go through that roller coaster again."
SportsLigue