“Stuck Around and Found Her Groove”: Andy Roddick Praises Naomi Osaka After her Comprehensive Win Over Coco Gauff at Cincinnati Open 2021

Naomi Osaka completed a brilliant comeback against Coco Gauff in the second round of the Cincinnati Open. She received huge praise from Andy Roddick after her comprehensive win over the teenager. Roddick mentioned on the Tennis Channel that Naomi needed this win after everything going on in her life.

The World No.2 is playing her first tournament since her poor Olympic performance in July. However, she had to work hard for the win against 17-year-old Coco Gauff.

Andy Roddick praises Naomi Osaka for her performance

Former World No.1 Andy Roddick has passed his judgment on Naomi Osaka’s win over Coco Gauff. The former US Open winner was happy for the much-needed win that Osaka recorded. However, Osaka had to fight for her win and it was not easy in the end.

“You see right there, it seems what they implement against Coco, going hard and speed on the forehand side. I would like to see her develop a neutral line where she can play high up the line. But this was the perfect match for Naomi Osaka, had to battle the adversity in the first set,” said Roddick.

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“Coco played well, served amazing but Naomi stuck around and found her groove. This is just what the doctor ordered as far as getting through the first round,” said Roddick.

Whom does Osaka play next?

After a difficult opening game at the Cincinnati Open, Osaka will be facing Jil Teichmann of Switzerland. She defeated Gauff 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the opening game and found her groove back. However, Jil has won both her games without dropping a set at Cincinnati.

Osaka will face a tough challenge, especially from someone who looks to be in great form. Moreover, this will be the first meeting between the Japanese star and the Swiss national.

Roddick believes Osaka has had a lot going on this year and her form at Cincinnati will be crucial. “I mean listen, low on matches, there has been a lot of off the court drama going on with Naomi the last couple of months. And so to get in there, get in the mix, feel like you are back to being the tennis player. You fight through a little adversity in the first set, you kind of sneak through the second set,” said Roddick.

Roddick believes the three-setter was beneficial for Osaka rather than winning in straight sets. It all comes down to the preparation and continuation of form till the US Open.

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