Naomi Osaka snaps Bianca Andreescu’s 17-match winning streak and expects rivalry to grow
Naomi Osaka believes that her win over Bianca Andreescu at the China Open may be just the first chapter in a special rivalry between the two players.
The pair met for the first time in their careers in Beijing, with Osaka coming out on top with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 win.
It snapped a remarkable 17-match winning streak for Andreescu stretching all the way back to March, and Osaka knows their paths will cross again.
“Listen, I don’t want to play her any more, I’m good, one-and-done,” Osaka joked
“It’s bound to happen again. I like seeing the younger players. I really love seeing Coco [Gauff], Iga [Swiatek], her do well.
“It gives me a lot of motivation, makes me think like they’re younger than me so I should be able to do the things they’re accomplishing.”
Naomi Osaka has endured a tough season, particularly in Europe where she really struggled on grass and clay.
Lovely moment between @Naomi_Osaka_ and @bandreescu_ at the net 😍#ChinaOpen#大坂なおみ pic.twitter.com/PXVeezdbYu
— WTA (@WTA) October 4, 2019
However, she believes this win will be a strong reminder to people that she is still very much around and competing.
“It meant a lot because I feel like people counted me out after the Europe thing,” Osaka added.
“I’m just like, I still won a slam this year. I’m still here. But there’s a sort of beauty to be underrated.”
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