Naomi Osaka ‘sad’ after crashing out of Tokyo 2020, but ‘really happy with first Olympic experience’
There will be no gold medal for the face of the Tokyo Olympics after Naomi Osaka was beaten by Marketa Vondrousova in the third round of the women’s singles.
The 23-year-old had hoped to play a starring role in the Games on the court as well as off it but lighting the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony will be the high point.
Osaka had looked good in her first two matches, particularly against Viktorija Golubic on Monday, but former French Open finalist Vondrousova was a step up in level and the young Czech produced an excellent performance under the roof at the Ariake Tennis Park to win 6-1, 6-4.
One ending is a new beginning ❤️
Thanks for making #Tokyo2020 extra special, Naomi.#Tennis | #Olympics pic.twitter.com/gLGMms3JOU
— ITF (@ITFTennis) July 27, 2021
Vondrousova mixed her trademark drop shots with big serves and powerful groundstrokes and defended brilliantly when Osaka got her game going in the second set.
The four-time Grand Slam champion did not move as well as she can, perhaps a legacy of the eight-week break she took for mental health reasons prior to this tournament.
Osaka admitted the occasion had played its part, saying: “I feel like I should be used to it by now. But, at the same time, the scale of everything has been a bit hard because of the break that I took. I am glad I didn’t lose in the first round at least.
“I am really glad to be here. I am sad I lost, of course, but all in all, I am really happy with my first Olympic experience.”
Osaka had won 25 of her last 26 matches on hard courts, winning Grand Slam titles at the US Open and Australian Open and, particularly given the early defeat for Wimbledon champion Ashleigh Barty, the stage seemed set for her to claim arguably the biggest title of them all.
But instead it is 22-year-old Vondrousova who becomes the first player through to the quarter-finals, where she will take on either Paula Badosa of Spain or Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska.
Osaka, who had hoped to become the first Japanese tennis player to win Olympic gold, had no answer to Vondrousova in the first set.
She responded well at the start of the second with a break of serve but was quickly pegged back and, although she saved two match points at 5-4, another followed and Osaka sent a backhand wide.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Brad Gilbert addresses calls to ‘fix’ Coco Gauff’s forehand as he reveals his one coaching regret
“Not everybody is like Rafa that can make changes all the time. Andre was another one that liked to tinker.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev highlights Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘advantage’ – ‘I felt a little bit out of solutions’
“It’s tough. Mentally it’s not easy to play against this,” admits Daniil Medvedev.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova dismisses Emma Raducanu ‘fluke’ claims as she highlights a ‘handicap’
“It was amazing when she won but it’s become a handicap because the expectations have gone sky-high.”
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Tennis star collapses during Miami Open qualifier as opponent admits ‘I didn’t see him fall’
Arthur Cazaux left the court in a wheelchair.
-
Tennis News
Tennis great Martina Navratilova sympathises with frustrated Andy Murray – ‘It’s exhausting’
“It’s exhausting to have to deal with the press like that for Andy,” says Martina Navratilova.
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”