Naomi Osaka Escapes Defeat Once More, This Time Against Azarenka
Naomi Osaka survived a scare once again, staging a comeback against Victoria Azarenka to progress to the third round of the French Open.
Naomi Osaka, 21, looking to add the French Open to her US and Australian Open titles came back from a set and a break down to defeat Victoria Azarenka 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.
The 21 year old who had been two points away from defeat against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova rallied from behind to make it to the second round and was yet again staring down the barrel at 2-4 down in the second set.
Naomi held her nerves and maintained her cool despite squandering two match points to secure a spot in the third round and a match up with either Greek 29th seed Maria Sakkari or Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.
This win against Azarenka extended her grand slam winning streak to 16 having turned the game on its head and winning with a 4-6 7-5 6-3 second-round victory.
“I was lucky enough to play her (Azarenka) twice before this and I knew she was playing really well,” said Naomi.
“It was unfortunate that this was a second-round match but I am happy I won.”
When asked if she was as calm as she looked on the outside, she admitted to having choked being an emotional person.
“No. I choked on this side (at 5-1) and almost choked on the other side (at 5-3). I am very emotional.”
Osaka hit 15 unforced errors in the opening set on Lenglen court as world number 34, Azarenka dominated to go 5-1 up.
