Naomi Osaka Falls to Lucia Bronzetti in Madrid Open First Round

Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, was defeated by Lucia Bronzetti in the first round of the Madrid Open with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 scoreline. Osaka, still regaining her form after a 15-month break from tennis, showed resilience by capturing the second set but ultimately fell short against the determined Italian. Bronzetti employed tactical variety, including drop shots, to disrupt Osaka's power game and held her nerve during key moments. The match featured several momentum swings, with both players trading breaks, but Bronzetti prevailed after breaking Osaka in the final set and capitalizing on a slip from her opponent. With this win, Bronzetti advanced to face American world number five Madison Keys in the next round. Bronzetti expressed pride in her performance, acknowledging the challenge of competing against a champion like Osaka.