Australian Open: Naomi Osaka, defending champion, eliminated in the third round

Published on : 01/21/2022 – 12:26

Defending champion Naomi Oasaka, 14th in the world, was eliminated in the third round of the Australian Open on Friday January 21 by American Amanda Anisimova (60th) who saved two match points before winning 4- 6, 6-3, 7-6 (10/5).

“I knew I had to be very strong to have a chance. I had to raise my level of play and be aggressive. I’m so happy that I did it!”, Launched the 20-year-old American who had already reached the eighth in Melbourne in 2019. The same year, she had reached the semi-finals at Roland-Garros.

After having created a first surprise by eliminating the Swiss Belinda Bencic (22nd) in the second round, Anisimova still hung a prestigious victory.

And on Sunday, world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty will stand in her way.

Osaka had two match points at 5-4 on Anisimova’s serve, but she failed to conclude and the two players came to the super tie break (in ten winning points instead of seven).

Periods of depression

The American succeeded from the start in the mini-break and did not let go of her advantage, which she even increased at the end.

Osaka, ex-world No. 1, has won four Grand Slam titles: the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, as well as the US Open in 2018 and 2020.

After her title in Melbourne, she had a psychologically difficult 2021, admitting to having suffered from depression. She thus withdrew before her second round at Roland-Garros and gave up Wimbledon. She then ended her season, following her third-round elimination at the US Open in September.

She returned to competition in January at the WTA tournament in Melbourne, where she made it to the semi-finals before retiring with an abdominal injury.

With AFP