The downward spiral continues for Naomi Osaka as her US Open 2022 campaign ended in the first round following a defeat to 19th-seeded Danielle Collins.
The Australian Open 2022 runner-up Danielle Collins showed great composure to knock off the four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.
Osaka didn’t play too badly but failed to win the breakpoints at crucial junctures during the match. She finished with 25 winners to 19 unforced errors, striking eight aces to zero double faults. Collins hit only 23 winners but seized the important moments in the match to progress to the second round.
The Japanese star succumbed to her second first-round exit at a major tournament after Amanda Anisimova handed her a first-round loss at the French Open.
“I’m just really still kind of speechless in a way because I took the summer off,” Collins said. “To kind of come out here, play a tough opponent first round, someone that’s won two Grand Slams here, it’s not easy.
“Just really over the moon about being able to get through this first round because I don’t think most players want to face Naomi in the first round.”
Collins will face the Spaniard Cristina Bucsa in the next round. Bucsa defeated Kaja Juvan in straight sets in the first round.
“No vision to be no 1”-Twitter reacts after Naomi Osaka exits from the US Open
Some fans sent commiserations for Naomi Osaka, while some admitted that they had given up hope for a comeback. The American Danielle Collins also received praise for her performance.
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