Naomi Osaka triumphed in a thrilling three-set battle against defending champion Suzan Lamens, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Kinoshita Group Japan Open. The match, which ended with scores of 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-2, saw Osaka face an injury scare in the final moments, leaving her limping as she exited the court.
Osaka, the tournament’s top seed, demonstrated her resilience and skill by increasing her level to overcome Lamens’ challenge. The contest featured a high-quality exchange, particularly in the decisive third set. However, the match took a concerning turn when, during Lamens’ service game at 5-0, Osaka strained her left leg, prompting her to request a medical time-out. When she returned to the game, her mobility appeared restricted due to a thigh strap, but she managed to maintain her focus.
Despite struggling with movement, Osaka attempted to seal her victory by playing aggressively. She faced two match points on her serve at 5-1 but was unable to convert them, double faulting on the first and hitting a backhand into the net on the second. Nevertheless, her determination shone through as she clinched the match on her return game, converting her third match point with a powerful backhand winner.
In her on-court interview, Osaka expressed her concerns regarding her injury, saying, “It was definitely really difficult — I’m kind of sorry about my attitude,” though the interview was cut short due to her discomfort. In the press conference, she conveyed optimism about her chances of continuing in the tournament, mentioning that she had taken pain relief and was hopeful for a swift recovery. “I think I’m a fast healer, so it should be OK for my next match,” she noted.
Prior to the injury, both players had struggled to establish their rhythm, with Lamens initially faltering before recovering to take the second set. In the decisive third set, Osaka put her best foot forward, illustrating her competitive spirit and commitment. Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of the match, she expressed her desire to play without regrets.
Osaka is set to face Romanian player Jaqueline Cristian in the quarterfinals on Friday. Cristian, who bounced back from a challenging start, defeated eighth seed Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in her previous match, marking a significant turnaround from their previous encounter in Beijing. Fans eagerly anticipate the clash between Osaka and Cristian, hopeful that Osaka’s injury will not hinder her performance as she seeks to advance further in the tournament.