Osaka falls to Teichmann in third-round Cincinnati shocker

Naomi Osaka

THE HINDU

 

Naomi Osaka has no regrets over her stunning third-round loss on August 19 at the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Masters to Swiss wild card Jil Teichmann.

The four-time Grand Slam champion went down 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to the world number 76 and admitted after the upset that her Tokyo Olympic third-round loss was on her mind.

“I was doing all I was supposed to do,” the Japanese world number two said. “In the second and third sets I was too defensive.

“I learned a lot from this match; I can sleep at night.”

Osaka lost to an opponent who has struggled with several injuries this season but is now back to health.

“I knew inside I had this level and I was able to show it on court,” said Cincinnati quarter-finalist Teichmann. “This week things are working out. I needed to be patient and here I am.”

Osaka stayed low-key throughout the post-match media sessions she says she dreads, answering questions and seeming to meekly accept the loss in her final tuneup for the U.S. Open, which begins August 30.

“I have high expectations of myself but there was nothing more I could do to win this match,” Osaka said.

“I’m almost glad I lost as it gives me so many things to work on in my game.

“I just hope the results come in time for the U.S. Open.”

Osaka said her only regret was not winning more that $24,200 in prize money to donate in aid of the earthquake recovery effort in Haiti, her father’s homeland.

“I’m happy, but sad that I didn’t go further,” Osaka said. “But I think I raised awareness. I’m glad we were able to contribute something.”

Tournament officials said they would match her donation after Osaka promised to give all of her prize money to the cause.

Teichmann took just over two hours to defeat Osaka, breaking the Japanese star six times, three in the final set.

Osaka made 41 unforced errors in the match while hitting only 17 winners while Teichmann struck 21 winners against 29 unforced errors.

“Literally, I’m shaking right now,” Teichmann said just after the match.

Osaka has had a rough ride since withdrawing during Roland Garros over emotional issues and skipping Wimbledon. She has played only two hardcourt preparation matches since the Olympics.