Easy wins for Osaka and Strycova
Naomi Osaka ended Ashleigh Barty’s Australian Open run in the third round while Barbora Strycova also advanced.
World No 72 Osaka required just one hour and 13 minutes to see off the Australian 6-4, 6-2 on Margaret Court Arena on Saturday.
The Japanese player broke the world No 17 in the opening game of the match and took 38 minutes to wrap up the first set. She then took a 3-0 lead in the second set and easily saw out the match.
WHAT a way to finish!@Naomi_Osaka_ books her spot in the 4R in style. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/1DpSxLj4Kz
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018
“I feel really happy, but also kind of sorry because I know you guys really wanted her to win,” the 20-year-old said.
“So thank you very much because I’ve never played in an atmosphere like this. I’ve always wanted to play against an Australian player, because on TV it seems really cool. So thank you.”
She will face world No 1 and top seed Simon Halep next after the Romanian claimed an epic 4-6, 6-4, 15-13 win over the unseeded Lauren Davies.
The 20th-seeded Strycova beat American Bernarda Pera, who overcame British No 1 Johanna Konta in the second round, 6-2, 6-2 in one hour and nine minutes.
Two breaks of serve in each set was enough for the Czech player to secure the win and she will face compatriot Karolina Pliskova next after the sixth seed beat Lucie Safarova 7-6 (8-6), 7-5.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.