No story is complete without the usual drama captivating fans. While Naomi Osaka is creating buzz for rediscovering her formidable form and putting up with her rival’s hilarious antics, things aren’t looking too good for Matteo Berrettini. What is rather more surprising is the fact that both professionals are working their way to the top after living in the shadow of their former selves for far too long. As a result, fans have been closely tracking their movements.

The former World No. 1 arrived at the China Open on the back of a disheartening second-round loss at the US Open at the hands of Karolína Muchová. To nullify the negatives, she added Serena Williams’ ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou to her coaching team. Subsequently, the duo debuted their partnership in Beijing. Naturally, noteworthy results were bound to land in the Japanese star’s lap. After outclassing Lucia Bronzetti in the opening, she was matched up against Yulin Putintseva. And before you know it, trouble knocked on Osaka’s door.

While contesting against the Kazakhstani sensation, the 26-year-old faced a hard time keeping up with the former’s on-court antics. After enduring a one-set deficit and fighting for a comeback, Putintseva snatched the spotlight. Multiple videos released on X showcased how the 29-year-old visibly tried to drive Osaka off-course with her unsettling reactions and objections over multiple line calls. However, those schemes bore no fruition.

The Japanese concluded Putintseva’s challenge in a thriller three-set match, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, to further her agenda at the WTA 1000 Masters event. It was her first comeback win in over two years. Osaka hadn’t won a match from a set down since 2022. “I just told myself to keep going,” said the Japanese in her post-match interview.

“I travelled all the way here and it would be a little injustice to myself to not try as hard as I can. I just tried to dig deep. [I have] absolutely zero expectations – I think I’m playing just one match at a time. I’m really grateful to be here and I hope that I’m able to win a lot more matches.”

Interestingly, Beijing wasn’t the only place filled with drama. Notably, the Asian hardcourt swing presented yet another shocker for fans. Only this time, the aftermath was ugly.

Injury-plagued Matteo Berrettini retires from the Japan Open

Italian superstar Matteo Berrettini seemed to be turning the corner after enduring a plethora of injuries. However, fans wished too much, too soon. Plagued with injury concerns, a new setback hindered the former World No. 6’s performance at the Japan Open. During his second-round clash with Arthur Fils, Berrettini narrowly clinched the opening set in a tiebreak. However, what came next was the least expected.

Merely a few minutes after being inspected for his physical health, Berrettini was forced to retire from the contest due to an abdominal injury. A truly disheartening end to his campaign… what’s worse is if the severity of his injury exceeds the limit, the 28-year-old may not perform for the remaining season. Meaning, his upcoming appearance at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga can be in jeopardy. Horrifying scenes!

Only time will determine what fate holds for Berrettini. If the Italian successfully sidelines his injury concerns, chances are that he will return to the Tour without spending much downtime. As for Osaka, the former World No. 1 will square off against Katie Volynets in the third round of the China Open.