Naomi Osaka’s Clay Court Journey Halted by Liudmila Samsonova in Madrid Open

In a dramatic second-round clash at the Madrid Open, Liudmila Samsonova emerged victorious against former world number one Naomi Osaka, marking a significant setback for Osaka’s return to clay court competition. The 25-year-old Samsonova secured a hard-fought 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 triumph over her Japanese counterpart in a grueling encounter that lasted two hours and 22 minutes.

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, demonstrated resilience by twice rallying from a breakdown in the second set, forcing a decisive third set. However, Samsonova, ranked 17th in the world, showcased her tenacity and composure to prevail against the formidable Osaka ultimately.

Despite Osaka’s recent victory over Greet Minnen in the Madrid Open’s opening round, her discomfort on clay courts was evident. Known for her prowess on hard courts, Osaka has struggled to replicate her success on clay, failing to secure consecutive wins on the surface since 2019.

Tennis Livescore

Samsonova seized control early in the match, storming to a commanding 4-0 lead in the first set as Osaka grappled with the challenges posed by her opponent’s aggressive play. Although Osaka staged a spirited comeback to claim the first set, Samsonova maintained her composure and resilience, ultimately clinching victory in a tightly contested decider.

The defeat marked a significant milestone for Samsonova, who halted a four-match losing streak and demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level. Her upcoming clash against Madison Keys promises to be another compelling encounter in the Madrid Open.

Meanwhile, the spotlight now shifts to world number one Iga Swiatek, last year’s runner-up in Madrid, as she prepares to take on China’s Wang Xiyu in a highly anticipated match later in the day. As the action unfolds in the Spanish capital, tennis fans eagerly await the next chapter of thrilling competition at the Madrid Open.