Osaka Plays Solidly In Her Opening Match At The Italian Open. Darderi Eliminates Shapovalov

ROME — Naomi Osaka looked comfortable in her first match at the Italian Open, defeating 45th-ranked Clara Burel 7-6 (2), 6-1 on Wednesday.

Osaka’s first clay-court victory was since beating Victoria Azarenka at the French Open in 2019.

Osaka was pleased with how she remained mentally focused after surrendering her serve while serving for the opening set at 5-3.

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Osaka Plays Solidly In Her Opening Match At The Italian Open. Darderi Eliminates Shapovalov

“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.

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).

In men’s competition, Argentine-born Italian Luciano Darderi upset Denis Shapovalov 6-7 (4), 6-3, 7-6 (4) at Campo Centrale; Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro defeated Gael Monfils 6-2, 7-5; and Yoshihito Nishioka defeated Sebastian Ofner 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (4).

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Osaka Plays Solidly In Her Opening Match At The Italian Open. Darderi Eliminates Shapovalov

Several more games were postponed owing to rain.

Rafael Nadal, the record 10-time Rome champion, faces Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs on Thursday.

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 physical difficulties.

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Osaka Plays Solidly In Her Opening Match At The Italian Open. Darderi Eliminates Shapovalov

The Italian federation also stated that Camila Giorgi, an Italian who was formerly ranked as high as No. 26 and won a WTA 1000 event in Montreal in 2021, has retired.

Rome is the final major warm-up tournament before the French Open, which begins on May 26.

SOURCE – (AP)