Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka earned her first win on clay in two years by defeating fortunate loser Greet Minnen 6-4, 6-1 within the first spherical of the Madrid Open on Wednesday.
Osaka had eight aces and confronted one break level for her first clay win since beating Anastasia Potapova within the first spherical in Madrid in 2022.
“There is a foundation to my recreation, and I wish to stick with that but additionally respect the courtroom,” mentioned Osaka, who returned from maternity depart in January. “It is a work in progress for me, however I am watching much more matches on clay, I am making an attempt to do my homework as finest as I can.”
Qualifier Jessica Bouzas Maneiro rallied to defeat fellow Spaniard Paula Badosa 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to earn her first WTA 1000 main-draw victory and enhance her 2024 report to 30-7.
“The tennis stage is there, however I must get well emotionally,” mentioned Badosa, a former No. 2 on the earth. “Each week is a disappointment. I have been on the high, and it is powerful to see myself on the backside proper now.”
American Sloane Stephens beat Martina Trevisan 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, whereas compatriot Bernarda Pera misplaced 7-5, 6-2 to Sara Sorribes Tormo.
Maria Lourdes Carle posted her first WTA 1000 victory by defeating 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu 6-2, 6-2.
