Naomi Osaka made a remarkable return to the Dongfeng · Voyah Wuhan Open, a venue she hadn’t competed at since 2017. In her first-round match on Tuesday, she faced Leylah Fernandez. After dropping the first set 4-6, Osaka staged an impressive comeback, winning the next two sets 7-5, 6-3.
Osaka’s Comeback Victory Over Fernandez
This victory marked Osaka’s inaugural win in Wuhan and allowed her to advance to the second round for the first time in her career at this tournament. The match lasted two and a half hours, contributing to Osaka’s tally of comeback wins this season. This match was also her fourth opening-match victory out of seven WTA 1000 events in the current season.
Match Summary
Osaka faced a challenging start, double-faulting on her opening point. Despite a rough beginning, she managed to hold serve after a prolonged game. However, Fernandez quickly gained momentum, breaking Osaka’s serve to establish an early lead. Fernandez closed the first set comfortably, winning it in just 42 minutes.
The second set proved to be far more complicated. Both players engaged in a back-and-forth battle, marked by five breaks of serve and a staggering 13 break points. Osaka surged to a 4-2 lead but struggled with six double faults. Fernandez leveled the set at 4-all but ultimately succumbed to Osaka’s final break of serve, allowing Osaka to clinch the set and force a deciding third set.
Third Set and Conditions
With temperatures reaching around 85 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity soaring above 90, the players opted for a 10-minute break off the court. Upon returning, Osaka capitalized on her refreshed state by jumping ahead 3-0 and later 4-1. This time, Fernandez could not recover. Osaka sealed the match with a decisive backhand winner on her second match point.
Key Statistics from the Match
- 1: Osaka secured her first victory against Fernandez, evening their head-to-head record at 1-1.
- 7: This match registered as Osaka’s seventh comeback win of the season, matching her career-best from 2019.
- 9: Osaka hit nine aces, significantly surpassing her average of 6.7 per match.
- 10: The win marked her 10th three-set victory of the season.
- 12: Osaka has won 12 of her last 15 matches, showcasing her current form.
Next, Osaka will face Linda Noskova in the second round. The 20-year-old Czech recently advanced after a grueling three-set match against Yulia Putintseva. Both players will vie for their first career trip to the Wuhan Open third round.
