SPORTS: Tuesday at the ATP/WTA Cincinnati Masters, Naomi Osaka’s summer form slump worsened as the four-time Grand Slam champion was defeated 6-4, 7-5 by Zhang Shuai.
The former world number one from Japan, who is currently ranked 39th, suffered his second defeat in as many weeks in the opening round on pre-US Open hardcourt.
The 24-year-old lost in the opening round in Toronto and has only triumphed once in four matches played on hard courts, at the WTA Silicon Valley in July.
The world number 44 Zhang won her first main draw match here since 2014 and advanced to the second round in 75 minutes.
The Chinese player, who won the US Open doubles title in 2021 with the Australian Sam Stosur, was a member of the Cincinnati doubles duo that won the 2021 season.
The 2020 championship final was Osaka’s Cincinnati high point.
As Osaka drew level at five all, the 33-year-old Zhang was broken while serving for the match. The audience favorite was then broken, and Zhang held to love to seal the victory.
Zhang responded, “Paying a very good friend is usually difficult.
Naomi is fantastic, but this wasn’t the finest day for her.
With the victory, Zhang evens her series with Osaka at 3-3
