Naomi Osaka Overcomes Injury to Defeat Defending Champion
Top seed Naomi Osaka is competing for her first title at the Japan Open. During the tournament, Osaka suffered a left leg injury.
Osaka faced defending champion Suzan Lamens in the fourth round, who provided tough competition from the start. Although Osaka won the first set, she struggled to maintain her lead in the second set.
In the third set, Osaka took a 5-0 lead and was ahead 30-15 when Lamens hit a backhand shot, causing Osaka to injure her left leg. Despite the injury, Osaka continued playing and won the next point before requesting a medical timeout.
Naomi Osaka back on court now.
Osaka returned to the court with a strapped left thigh, determined to advance in the tournament. Author's summary: Osaka defeats champion despite injury scare.