‘I Felt Like I Was Fighting for My Life’ – Naomi Osaka Opens Up on Absurd Indian Wells Conditions After Overcoming Sloane Stephens

Naomi Osaka is up and running! After a disappointing start to this season, the four-time Grand Slam champion had a resounding first-round victory over Sloane Stephens in Indian Wells. Moreover, the Japanese tennis star made a solid comeback in the match to defeat her American opponent.

After her victory against Stephens, Naomi spoke about the playing conditions during her first-round encounter.

Naomi Osaka reveals ‘crazy’ playing conditions in Indian Wells

The 24-year-old took on Stephens in an afternoon match on Stadium 1. It was a windy afternoon in Indian Wells as conditions became challenging for players. Further, throwing more light on this, Naomi said, “I haven’t played in wind like that for a while, so this was very new to me. I felt like I was fighting for my life.”

Moreover, she added, “I was playing against her; I was playing against the wind. It was crazy. I just kept thinking she was going through the same circumstances as me, so I just had to will myself to try as hard as I could. Sloane is such a champion. Hopefully, next time we play will be in more ideal conditions. But it was great to be out here again.”

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Osaka makes a strong comeback to enter the second round

In a topsy-turvy first set, the former World Number 1 made a sloppy start to the match. She lost her very first service game. However, Naomi fought back to win the next three games and take a 3-1 lead in the opening set. Then, it was Stephens‘ turn to bounce back and she did it in style, winning the next five games to take the first set 6-3. The Japanese made far too many errors as she eventually lost the set.

The second set began with Naomi breaking Stephens’ serve in the first game of the second set. She capitalized on her good start in the second set as she took a quick 4-0 lead. The American tried to fight her way back in the second set but the lead was enough for Naomi to take the second set 6-1.

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The deciding set began in stark contrast to the second set as Stephens won the opening two games. Further, Naomi held her nerves to save breakpoints in the third game of the deciding set to hold her serve. It was a turning point in the match as the Japanese followed it up by breaking her opponent’s serve. There was no looking back for her as she took the deciding set 6-2 to enter the second round.

After her come from behind victory over Stephens, Osaka will take on Veronika Kudermetova in the second round. What are your thoughts on Naomi Osaka’s first-round victory?