😤FULL MATCH Naomi Osaka 大坂 なおみ vs Marie Bouzkova ROME 2025

😤FULL MATCH Naomi Osaka 大坂 なおみ vs Marie Bouzkova ROME 2025

Payton Sterns awaits the winner ready of Marie Bowska and Naomos Osaka. It’ll be the latter who serves first inside the grand stand. [Applause] Two very different game styles. Osaka is an aggressive baseliner. She has uh very powerful serve. We’re seeing um Mr. Muratoglu in the image. Um Osaka’s coach Naomi is looking to um speed up the rhythm point by point. She wants to play fast, as fast as she can. On the other side, Marie will try to slow down the rhythm as possible. What’s the best manner to go about doing that? If Bos wants to be successful in slowing down, how would she go about doing that? Changing pace at times. If Nam is going too fast between points, slow that, too. play a lot of deep balls in the middle. Not giving her too much angle. Oh, beautiful. move her around when you feel you’re comfortable to open the court in a good effective way. Because if you just play regular crosses against these players, they’re going to outlast you with ease. Guarantee 30. Marish should definitely sprinkle some high loopy balls. Make good use of the slice. trying the drop shots. A lot she can do on Clay. Jo and Osaka on the board first as she eases her way to one love and for Naomi and the joy she has found of late with seven consecutive overall match wins. She got a buy in the excuse me as she finds herself too winning against it was kind of almost a buy if you will against Sarah Ronnie. She handled the Italian very easily in her opening match 62 63. You see her overall win record at tournaments of this caliber is quality to say the least. But where the win came that was impressive was Victoria Golovich because Golyovich had replaced Bossa. We were looking forward to the nine seed versus Osaka but Golyovich made her play. And Golovich is crafty. Very crafty. I played against her twice. She’s a tough cookie to beat. And she came back from seven, tell me if I’m wrong, three love or Yeah, she Yeah, I lost the opening set 6-2 and then had to really scrap through the second set. You’re right. She ran away with the third seven 6-1, but she only found out 30 minutes before the match that Pedoza had pulled out of the tournament. Oh, and that’s tricky, too, because you prepare yourself mentally for a certain kind of battle and all of a sudden everything uh just shifts. Yeah, nice offensive game by Naomi. In the same time, impressive um defense putting uh so many balls back into the court or Marie. That’s another key to um her being able to have success today is to keep Nami play as much as she can wear her down with her agility and her consistency to just keep on putting everything back. I think there’s a football match going on. Yeah, I think Juventus might be in action and uh that’s going to lead to a very rockous boisterous crowd. Either it’s one h of a sing along. I mean this might be the greatest crowd sing along ever if it’s not a a football match. I remember that when I was playing in Rome sometimes I was playing during football matches and honestly I loved it. It was such a huge atmosphere. Yeah. Lazio versus Juventus currently providing the soundtrack to this contest. Oh, Oh, I the way she handled herself. You can see that she she has had some matches on play because it feels to me like she has the serenity and a bit more patience to build up her points now. Yeah, that uh by the way that Lazio Juventus match just got underway moments ago and they’re already loud and fun. So that’s going to carry on. Imagine if a goal is scored. We’ll be here. We’ll hear it. Yeah. Meanwhile, for Maria Boska, a top 25 talent we sit at the top, and we know this because she ascended to a career-high of number 24 in the world at the conclusion of the 2022 season. She hails from the capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague, populated by close to one and a half million residents. Making her third visit to Rome, where she was a member of the round she seeks today, two years ago. Thought process is nice. I like both to maybe try to take some time away from Mosaka, but she left herself vulnerable. She had herself vulnerable because the back wasn’t strong and penetrating enough. She kind of left space there. Be the bearer of the opening break point. Nice and early with a good serve. Wide var stepping in and taking charge. Yeah, today’s a mission for her. I think she has this capability of adapting to whoever she’s playing in front of her because she doesn’t have the defined power that other players like Naomi has. She can play um her game with intelligence and uh mixing it around. [Music] Vantage Oaga. I’m very sure that she’s upset with this miss. She offers a breakpoint chance here to Osaka. Antonian Bolard, the coach of the check. Oh, well done. And Possa continues to at least for the time being thwart Osaka’s advances. That’s why I’m saying that this surface can be good for Maria because clay lets you spread out that creativity and it gives you the opportunity to come up with a lot of mixes. She should use this surface to her advantage today. See, not bad. Another mix. And I think one of the most important aspects uh about this matchup being on Clay right now for Marie is that it’s much slower on hard courts. It’s at times it’s almost impossible to be able to damage Osaka somehow because she comes in and plays so fast and flat and deep. Clay gives you space. [Music] Overcooks the forehand. Bosa escapes the early threats. Nobody pair break point saved in route to one all got off to a quality start to begin the year and again this it’s it’s a little muddled of sorts here Alexandra you can kind of help us out with all of this but one thing we do know start was considerable got through to the final of Auckland started to feel her game once again. That final represented a chance to to try to pick up a title for the first time since she last won her fourth major. That was the 2021 Australian Open. Hadn’t picked up a title since, but she had to in that final retire in the match because of an abdominal strain. It got her again at the Australian Open when she reached the third round and it was actually a setup on Belinda Benic but began to feel the effects again and said I’m done. I think she started the the year really well in in good fashion and maybe uh without that abdominal pain she would actually would have actually won Auckland. And that being said, we ought to give credit to where it’s due. Claraara Talzin of Denmark, she was the champion of the event. Oh, yeah. No, but yeah, you’re right. She would, you know what I mean? Of course. Ah, it’s brilliant. I mean, that is just textbook and it’s pretty at the same time. Smart and agile. And she knows that. 15 13 The drop shot on clay can be deadly because to move that’s the hardest thing to do in tennis for us tennis players to move back and forth side to side is easy but back and forth and Osaka is much better much better mover but still it’s hard for her on clay to get her body started get the burst forward correct [Applause] out since October of 2024. as we see friends and family and coach Naomi’s mom part of the entourage and of course Patrick Montagaloo since October of last year replacing Wimpet is very high on the hopes of what Naomi Osaka can produce that she can get back to the level where she was truly the best in the world. Yeah, they uh the top players kind of switch these top coaches between themselves. It’s like a swirl of some sorts. And Osaka, as you see, leading the tour in results. Jasmine Powellini, no problem with alms to burn straight sets. Diana Schneider, holy cow, remember four titles last year, she’s already got her 13th win this year. Such an improved player. Yeah, she beat Jacquleen Christian 63 63. Payton Sterns, we mentioned the upset of Madison Keys in three sets. Danielle Collins knocking out Egish Fontek out of Rome, out of the top two. and Lena Spitelina just victorious over Haley Baptiste. She’ll face Daniel Collins next. Another American who played really good today. Although she lost to Vitalina, who’s is who’s in top Yeah. form right now. Although Alina needed six match points to get past Baptist, but she did it. And the only former champion in Rome in the bottom half of the draw. And then one other note, Gilena Ostapenko was able to move through, didn’t have to play a point today because Sigman withdrew from the tournament due to a lower limb injury. And that gets you updated. Quality off the ground off the forehand of Boskova. Her fourth winner split evenly off both wings. Alex, of course, you know, we know that as it stands now currently, Boska was able to pull this off. It’ll be a big win for her personally, it’s not knocking off a top 10 opponent. Not even what Osaka we’re accustomed to seeing and expecting her to be at. But that being said, knowing that she hasn’t beaten Naomi before and what this match represents to get through the round of 16, I wonder in your experience in the locker room now with the loss of Keys, with the massive loss of Shvantech, does that send sort of a feeling through there that hey, this could be anybody’s or at least I have a chance to win today against somebody I’ve never beaten before. I’ll tell you in a second. Oh, okay. Stay put. It actually does because once you see these big names, not just one, the ones that you mentioned like keep on falling like, “Okay, you know what? I think I stand a chance.” You know, they’re not unbeatable. But it also comes on the base of some sort of confidence that you’ve built in yourself. And Maria Busco by this tournament, at least she has. She has two good matches under her belt. She’s coming into this match with more confidence because she knows that on Clay she can have a better chance against Naomi even though Naomi has been a threat as of late. Oh, that’s sweet. And that’ll get it done. And that is a much easier time at the line for Bosa. Never had to defend two break points in her first effort. That’s a hold without dropping a single point for two all. She needs uh she needs to be smart. That’s what she’s doing so far. She can never outpower Naomi, but she can be smart with where she’s placing her shots. And this is this has already been I think the third winner almost uh with the drop shot. Yeah, she’s using it effectively to keep Naomi off balance. Four consecutive holds to begin. did. Yeah, it just seems like it is contagious a bit. I mean, we know that there were some players that that walk on the court and they intimidate in the locker room. The match is almost over before they step on. Yeah. Greatest example, obviously, Serena Williams in her prime. Shantek had a lot of that the last couple of years. Naomi had a bit of that. It was a bit up and down sometimes, a bit of a roller coaster ride for her. But when she was at her best, she could be very intimidating. Yeah. Players can grow their auras so much. They engulf yours. You know what I mean? Yeah. And uh they do have this effect, but it’s important for you to try as much as possible to not to lose the match in your mind before. I mean, yes, they can be intimidating, but when you’re out there, you have to think about the fact that you deserve to be there, too. You deserve to win matches. At least if you lose, you try to put on a fight. Try to make them work for the victory. Cuz I hate it when players just give it away cuz they’re like, “Oh, she’s much better than me.” You know, I have no chance today. What’s What’s the point in fighting so much? back-to-back hole to love. In fact, they have combined to win 11 consecutive points on serve. And it has been pretty hoham for the returner since Osaka had two chances to break in game two. Naomi with one additional game, leading through five in the opening set. Japanese number two taking on the Czech number four for a spot in the last 16 and thus far pretty easy going. [Music] [Applause] Osaka with three holds and no threats against her. Bosa looking for her third hold. had to deal with some adversity. Trying to extend the 11 consecutive points won by the server to begin game six [Music] and it ends there with the first double fault. I think in this five games they’ve both showcased, you know, the very good side of their game styles. They uh they’ve given us a taste of what they’re trying to do both her way building up points in a nicely smart manner and being very aggressive. Fast forward and hitting uh hitting the corners with um a lot of precision. Zero trend. It’s never good to start with a double fold, that’s for sure. you know, um, she’s still loved down. Those are her first two unforced errors of the match for Marie. On the second serves, Osaka is like Danielle. She steps in with so much ease. Danielle Collins, I mean, [Applause] Queen 1530. [Applause] Grand The third. She’s done well from lap 30 to be game point up. Not too bad. Contributing her first two unforced errors of the contest that had her in trouble, but you’re right. And this is sort of the resolve Boskova has been able to demonstrate through the last couple years of her career. There have been up and down moments, but she’s feisty enough to give herself a chance each time she steps on the court. Osaka guessed right as she did a little dance behind the baseline but couldn’t put it in play. Ambos has her third hold to match Osaka. I think she Yeah, the sound cascading from Estadio Olympico as the football contest between Lazio and Juventus continues on. It’s not very far. Both the foro Italico and the Estadio are in the V de Olympiali. That’s about maybe a seven eight minute walk from one to the other. It’s very close. Yeah, you can see it in the distance when you’re on court. We end the zero. So, we’ll just bask in the overflow of jubilation, especially if they score right now. Currently, first half, 28th minute, no score. Oh, so you’re covering both the football and the tennis. Yeah, I’m going to go over here and call some of that. You take it from here. Ready? Okay, I will. I promise. Excellent deep return down the line. Beautiful spot she found on the adverse uh side of the court. It took Osaka by surprise. Let’s go. I think it was the persistence of uh Buskova everything in that made Osaka finally missed this last shot. Oh, there we go. [Applause] Okay, I’m back. No score still in the football match. But now first threat against Naomi Osaka serving. Much of the damage has been self-induced, it would seem as Osaka’s missed out with a couple of errors here. And Bosko with her first chance to garner the lead. self-inflicted in a way, but also with the impressive defense skills. True. Yeah, I wasn’t trying to throw shade. Yeah, like that crossing the grand stand here, but there’s a lot of shade on board by the way, but not at Bosa. But she’s put in the effort necessary. She’s asked the questions and Osaka has put herself in danger with a couple of miscues. still under dress. And look how fast is moving around the court. Agile. This is one of the areas Naomi has been profoundly successful in her contest against Marie Boskova. In the first two meetings, Boskova converted just one of 14 break points, including 0 for8 during their contest at the US Open, their last meeting in 2021. Let for Oh, let serve with um the surf straight on the line. Again, emphasizing on the fact that this surface is much better for Marie. Fair. The slower cords help her keep the ball in play more. Obviously, something that Osaka doesn’t particularly like. damaging back and down the line. Ravaging Vantage Joaga and she spread the wealth considerably. She’s got a trio of aces and four winners off both sides. The backhand sails to the court for 11 winners overall in these opening seven games. Body done. Vanjo. Well, this turned around quickly after having game point. Now it she has to fend off break point. That’ll be the third try for Boskava here in game seven. And this time, Osaka succumbs. And Boska earns her way to the lead for the first time. It took seven games to get there, but she breaks for 43 as Well, Toronto had a terrific run defeating two top 10 opponents Sloan Stevens and Simona Halop before losing to Serena Williams. She’s amongst the best in breaking opponents this season in converting break points and she’s already got the lead via a break off of Naomi Osaka. Just the second time she’s done so against the former world number one. Terrific. Very smart. Good hands. But at the same time, Miosaka didn’t choose the right uh side of the court. She had so many options here. The other semi-final appearance was the rare or moment that Guadlara held a designation as a WTA 1000 event. That was three years ago. She reached the final four, did Boskavo when she ultimately succumbed to Maria Sakuri. Hasn’t reached the round of 16 at a WTA 1000 event since the body 150. Well, she does have good memories from Rome. You said that she went all the way to third round or fourth Boskva. Yeah. Yeah. At this event, she was round of 16 two years ago. So, it’s not the first time she’s playing good in Rome. Yeah. And again, I’m again I’m emphasizing on the victories that she’s had here so far. I mean winning in straight sets against Shere and Hadad Maya who play really good on clay that says something. I think that uh Osaka just got a little bit thrown back by uh by Marie’s consistency and persist, you know, being persistent in in putting so many balls back. She doesn’t like the fact that she’s not finishing the the points a little bit earlier. Guaranteed 4015. A little bit of a low moment for Nomi after losing her serve. And Maria Buscova is catching a very good momentum here. Two game points. [Applause] It doesn’t matter the surface. You put a short ball in front of Naomi Osaka, she’s able to prime herself. She can absolutely hammer the ball. She has that mental resilience to hang in there. This this is how she won the Grand Slams. She was she’s like a smooth assassin with a calm p poker face in those very tough moments and u I’m expecting her to play well till the end here. But the return misses and Boskova does indeed make it three games in a row. A pair of holes surrounded surrounding a break of serve and she’s a game away. for one set lead. Had just a bit of a let up by Osaka, but Oska has been very purposeful in her effort today. Yeah, very tenacious and making herself uncomfortable for Nomi in many moments of this first set. 15 left. I feel like she has been very good at absorbing space and redirecting the ball afterwards really well and efficient. Oh, play it close, but close is good enough. Straight on the line, right? 305. Maybe a little to the outer edge. Very risky to say the least. She’ll notch her 14th winner against just six by her opponent. And of course that’s part and parcel when you see Osaka on court. She’s often the aggressor, the agitator. She goes after her opponents, tries to play a big game. Whereas Bowka has been so content to just kind of be in the mix of the rally, but she hasn’t hurt herself. She’s only committed two unforced errors. Yeah. Because she’s um she’s a builder. She builds up little by little. Always adapts to the one she has in front of her. And if she saw it that day, she can question a lot of problems to to the opponent. and Osaka has her hold. So, she stays relevant in the opening set and it’ll be up to Boska to try to produce a first set ever. as she tries to gain the upper hand on Naomi Osaka at three quarter of the hour mark and once again they’ve met twice previously all four sets going the way of Osaka so this will be a big step forward both psy psychologically and literally for her hopes of the round of 16. If Poska is five for five from the line in the opening set, she’ll take it. Great. We’re in the big battle. Start the first point of um the game like this, trying to serve out the set. Yeah, she’s going to try to rely obviously on getting that first serve in of which she’s done 56% of the time. And when she’s done so, she’s only lost two points. 13 of 15 on the day. [Music] [Applause] Slow courts and all are definitely helping her to have more time and create those loopy spinny shots. She’s creating a good mix for her today. She’s not playing that flat ball at the level of the hip where Osaka likes to hit 305. I think so far in this first set, Maria has been very organized, tidying her game. and has managed to keep Osaka at bait. [Music] Grandio. [Applause] Summoners creeping in knowing that the end is near for this first set. Now comes an important point. [Applause] An important point point goes post to his way and she will have her shot. A set point arrives for the check again. Extremely tenacious in defend in defense. I mean that previous goal led it straight on the line. All right, that got handled. And there it is. The first taste of success of sorts for Marie Boskova against Naomi Osaka in their fifth ever set plate. She finally garners one for herself. And that puts her in Rome as the eternal city is rocking and rolling. There’s a lot of tennis to be played at the foro Italico. As mentioned, there’s the Juventus versus Lazio football contest at the Stadio Olympico. It is just a joyous time to be around Rome. By the way, halftime, no score of the football contest, perhaps halftime of this contest as the Cheron Pay checks to make sure that the surface is okay to play. She says it is. and Marie Boskova hoping this is halftime towards a straight sets win knocking off Naomi Osaka in the process. That would be absolutely amazing for two reasons. First of all, because she’s beating a player who she’s lost to and doing so in two sets. Imagine the increase of confidence she’ll have afterwards. pointed. I don’t think Nami has done much that first set. I think she just was a little bit thrown back that she couldn’t really find couldn’t really finish those points faster. But to me, she looked pretty good. to your point, I think for for Naomi, you know, disappointment. She’s dropped the set and then she’s going to have to for the second time in this tournament, play from a set down in order to produce a victory. But there were a lot of positives as well. Yeah. And you know, at this level at times, if your opponent is playing very good in certain moments, you know, they can snatch it away from you. And now has to focus on playing the same game she she has so far has brought her success. I’m talking especially on Clay for the last two weeks. She has mental resilience. She knows how to come back as well. The only issue is that you have to dig deep. It’s not fun you know to come back from a set down. There’s a lot of mental, physical, emotional effort you’re going through. And Osaka finds her way to the hold. And things very reminiscent of how this match began. Very comfortable in route to one love for the former world number one. And as mentioned, just worth repeating quickly. It was in the previous round against the lucky loser Victoria Golovich that she had to come back from a set down before she was ultimately victorious. And another aspect of this as Boska has won more than not when she’s won the opening set this season which is a bodess well for her chances here. But we do know this we are going to have a quarterfinalist at least one unseated in the bottom half of the draw because the winner of this match takes on Payton Sterns. Beat 5C Madison Keys today. You can consider it an opening for sure. Powellini and Aapenko will clash in the round of 16. Spitilina and Collins will face off against each other. Diana Schneider awaits the winner of the last match today tonight as Ellie St. Maritans takes on Jess Pigula. Those drop shots are so well executed, Kevin. And now we can see Naomi that she anticipated that the drop shot was coming. She actually pretty before and even in doing so she didn’t get to the drop shot good enough in time. I think Marie has throughout the match so far she has found a great balance between when and how to mix it up. Very good decision making. When did your body the court no longer bathes in in half sunlight, half shadow? It’s all shadow now. That’s going to affect the temperature. The temperature still actually very refreshing at 71 degrees Fahrenheit or 21° C. You can see Boska has gone to putting on a bit of a a cover to keep herself from any chill. I state the obvious in that regard, but there is a question forthcoming. Alexandra, yes, you need to keep yourself warm. Great answer and tremendous insight, but not the question I was going to ask. The question being, as the temperature dips, how does that change the dynamic for these two on this court? Well, first of all, I prefer this much better having a uniform kind of um you know, light on board. Either you have light or you have full shade, it’s much better. And when the temperature drops, um doesn’t matter where you are, the game becomes slower as well. doesn’t come slower by much because it’s still warm outside. But to an extent it does because it slows the ball down in flight. Down when when it’s sunny and hotter, it jumps more. Uh the game gets faster. But now in the evenings, it’s it’s chiller. It goes down a little bit. Rand party. [Music] Oh. Let’s second serve. Let’s [Music] go [Music] back. Let’s go. Amazing offense. Terrible. Not terrible, terribly good defense. Again, emphasizing on how much Naomi has to work her points to managed to make a winner. is wearing her down like this. Saka had a pair of break points in Boska’s opening service game of the match and couldn’t convert. She’s back to threatening again here to start the second. What’s up, great rally? Amazing effort the way both of them open the court. Osaka was on a mission. She was so focused. You can see that she really wanted this break. She started this second set very composed and she’s slowly building up her comeback. Queen did 15. This is where her mental resilience kicks in. Now amaz this is how she was uh able to win three grand slams. Four, sorry, you know. She keeps her head down and she just minds her own business. When did you buy it? 150. She’s coming closer and closer to the baseline. At times she’s in front of the baseline. She’s slowly gaining more and more core. That’s that’s where she’s aiming to be. That’s where her game flourishes. Now she’s taking more and more serious lead in the second set. Sorry grand 30. Paul that misses the mark and Osaka in danger of giving the break back and this is not the player to really test your medal or put yourself in danger. Bowka number two on tour in break points converted this season. Already has one break today. Looking for number two to get even. And she won’t get even as far as breaking right back as of yet. Osaka putting up good defense. Some of her misses are taking her back, but in the big picture, this is what she needs to do. Eventually they they will end up being inside the court. Osaka Great first serve. I don’t think she expected such a good uh response of return off the return. Oh, Vanta. [Applause] She found good margins on both returns. Marie and uh she first herself another break point. [Applause] Bosva continues to try to find ways. She’s had so many looks, so many opportunities now in all three meetings against Naomi Saka, but only two breaks to show of her first 19 opportunities. Pantage Osaka Oaka and Osaka finds her way ultimately in the end saving a couple break points and posts a three love start in set number two trying to come as she was able to fend off a couple break points. But Juventus has gone up 1 nil in the 51st minute. Randall Kolo Muani. That’s why so alive. That’s exactly why you heard that roar from the adjacent Stadio Olympico. Back to the action for Maria Boska. Just a single break the difference in the second, but she had a chance to get back on serve and could not convert. The beginnings of every set are very tricky. Fifth and love because um it’s a good moment to reset again. Buskova didn’t do much wrong. I think Osaka stepped it up. She became uh more composed. She didn’t miss as much. very aggressive. It’s kind of a fake three love. He wasn’t that decisive. So, in your estimation, Bos should feel not disheartened by the fact she’s down three love, but that she’s actually been in there. She’s got shots. Right. Right. Now, of course, she’s expecting for Naomi to step it up and show more teeth in the second set. I think she doesn’t need to be discouraged. Forget about the scoreboard and continue to do exactly what you did in that first set. Keep the ball in play deep. Work on your smart tactics because these players like Osaka and others alike eventually they I mean they will also start missing 15. They either try to impress you with a lot of winners, but if you hang in there, you’re going to push them to make mistakes as well. So, you need to have this mindset if you’re a player like Bushova stepping into this match against someone like Osaka. B could have rewarded for a scrappy effort. 405. This is how I was able to win a lot of the matches against top hitters like Vitova or Piscova. I could never outpower them, but I had to play like this. There were moments when they’re ripping winners right and left, and I was like, “Okay, okay, I’ll keep on going.” Let’s see if you’re able to do that till the end of the match. If you do that, well, good to [Applause] remarkably at this juncture in the contested that is just the fourth unforced error from Maria. She has a couple of double faults and a couple off the ground. Just the fourth. She had three in the first set and this is just the fourth right now. Correct. Pretty remarkable, huh? Very Osaka fights her way back into this fourth game. Not content to have allow Boskov an easy time at the line. It feels to me like Osaka has gathered more patience. She understood what the game was about after that first set. Now she’s um she’s more steady. She’s not as surprised, let’s say. And well, I agree with you. Now, starts can be tricky on uh on Clay and start off the movement. It’s very easy to um side foot to just sleep away. [Applause] [Applause] Jokuno three games to one. So Boskova finds her way. Yeah, there’s some of the culprits causing some. They weren’t laughing at your commentary. Alexander, they were just calling out. I would have been upset if they did. The birds were making some serious support for Juventus from above. They’re just going to hang out for a while in the light structure. But for Naomi Osaka, the opportunity just to further extend her lead and try to come back from a set down for the second consecutive round. And and the feeling of confidence on the crushed red brick has started manifest itself of late. You know, Saka hasn’t really had like an explosive comeback after eternity break like others have to win titles quickly or even get into finals or win grand slams. I think she has a steady comeback, steady result. Was she wishing for something explosive explosive and spectacular? I’m pretty sure she was. But nonetheless, she’s still doing very good. Yeah. For Osaka to try to get things going on Clay. actually in aospicious start to in Madrid lost to Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in three sets and that was it one and done but then she caught fire and Samo at that WTA 125 event ran off five consecutive match wins and again that doesn’t go in as a WT tour level victories. She’s not one of her titles but it’s a title nonetheless and one she needed it. Yeah, there’s the there’s the birds calling out to you. They’re laughing again. Not laughing. Not laughing at you with you. I hope so. Fun. But yeah, that’s a huge moment to just be able to get through a tournament 5-0 and lift some sort of reward. Oh, she caught her. She caught her. I think uh she was smart together with her team to decide to downgrade a little bit. Doesn’t mean that those that level of tournaments is not high. But sometimes top players are like, “No, I’m not going to go and play 125.” But there was more because she needed matches. And no matter if you win matches at 25ks, 50s, 250s or whatever, matches are golden. and didn’t beat anybody in the top 100 in route to that title. But nonetheless, it’s all about time on court on what has been her least favorite surface. Mental fitness on your least favorite surface. You win a title. What could be better? Oh, two in a row. Come on. 143. She has to buy Nomi a a drink afterwards, a coffee or something. Just imagine hitting the net cord twice in a row and making it go your way and for a break point. No, sorry. It’s still game point. Beautiful Naomi Osaka. A big strike from the backhand once again and she secured a 4-1 lead. Are we destined for a final set? Naomi thinks so. She just needs two extra games to make it best of one set for a spot in the Sweet 16. Florida currently where they reside. Naomi Osako makes her home in Boca Raton between Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. Anda a little farther north in the center of the state in Bradenton battling for supremacy in Rome. Most of us seeking her first ever victory against Osaka. Serving one for second set having won the opening frame. And finally, all the inspiration away from her opponent has become very very solid and very hands-on in this second set. [Music] [Music] Z. Haven’t seen that in a while. Another drop shot executed by Marie. 1530. Yeah, she hit the intention so well. Grant the body 13. I always like the slow mos. Whoa, full frame. Maybe she hit a seagull. I’m ready. Oh, she’ll be disappointed in this one after being hands on and so dominant the whole rally again playing where towards the direction where Mari was going. Great reaction, anticipation by the check as well and it happened at an important point. Oh, sorry. Marita. [Applause] Yes. Oh, [Applause] Osaka. Another signature aggression by Naomi Osaka. Another chance to break. Let’s preserve [Music] and Osaka secures the break and she’ll serve for the second set. And we hope you’ll join us for day six tomorrow. Little Sunday afternoon tennis in the for italico. It’ll all kick off as Arena Sabalanka, the world number one and champion of Madrid, will take on Sophia Kennan. Other contests will be Coco Golf in action against Magdala Lynette. Lena Rebaka will take on Bianca Andrescu. Check wtatennis.com for the schedule which is out and Sabalanka and Kennan we’ll start our coverage tomorrow. serving for the set and trying to extend it to a final for the first time between these two and a head-to-head that has dominated been dominated by Osaka in two previous meetings. Both at majors, both on hard courts, she has switched into a saka mode in this second set. Now she has the confidence to build up confidence on flight and comebacks. 0 15. No panicky feelings, no anxiety. When she started the second set, she put her head down in a demeanor way, very quiet about her comeback. This is the Naomi we usually know. So is that so now she’s feeling comfortable. In the first set she was not feeling comfortable. She wanted to finish the points fast. It wasn’t happening her way. But now she adjusted the level of emotional and mental level of how to go about her tense today. And now she’s dangerous. Yeah. The winners are coming in droves. Y and she’s now in double digits and winners off both sides forehand and backhand. 15 30. No. not making things easy on herself. [Applause] Saka yeah contributing too many points to Bowkava and more importantly offering another break chance here. Keep her alive in the second. Oh, and that misses the mark with a double fault. Her first of the contest. Posa has her second break and more importantly is still present in set number two. Yeah, but like I don’t want you to know the rule. I got I don’t know if the DJ is being a little cheeky. Dialing back to 1984 Tears for Fears hit shout. Naomi Osaka was not shouting. She was not indignant. She just appealed. She thought her double fault might have been closer than it was indicated. But she’s going to go about her business. She’s not one to throw a tantrum. Are you always this good with song titles? I do all right, man. You’re good. But it was a great song. I mean, songs from the big chair. Tremendous album if you’re into 80s music. Bowka was serving 25. Now we lost a bit of focus. She was serving those final points. It can happen now. Uh I think she’s trying she will try to hang on into this set as much as she can. Obviously [Applause] body. She’s up the ante on her forehand production in this set. Has Naomi, she had seven winners off the forehand in the opening set in 10 games. She’s already got 11 here in the second. Hoping that she can secure the set here from the return position. [Applause] mean when that happens now a little bit unplayable Just forget about it and move on. Get in the body. Our transition game is solid, Boskava, and she’s shown it a number of times, especially in the middle of the court. Good hands once again, trying to avoid the advances of Osaka. She hasn’t advanced to the net so much in the second set, the way she did in the first. It’s also true that Naomi didn’t quite leave her that much space. Oh, left it and it it’s going to pay a heavy price for letting that fly past. Bosa watches it hit the line. 134. The serve was good. She was there for the taking with the back and bullying. Yeah. Second guessing herself and she doesn’t have time to do on as she must get to work once again. Osako with a chance to break for the set. Naomi converting two of four break points today. Yes. Antagiova. [Applause] Oska continues to chip away. The lead now reduced to two. Five games and she has the hold and Osaka for a second time will try to seal the deal. A nice little effort here from the check. Yeah, nice effort and it’s good for her that she’s keeping herself alive because that means she’s putting more pressure on uh Naomi’s shoulders and her attitude is very good, very positive, sending Naomi all those vibes telling her, “Hey, I’m here. I’m fighting till the end. Weird points. Weird advantages that all Yeah, the ball had a weird spin on it in front of Naomi. She adjusted well. To keep the rally going. Yeah, the extra energy needed from Osaka. She thought the set was going to be done. Yeah, I know. She finds herself having to fight for it again. Impatient feelings kicks in. Like I know I fought hard for this set. I want it done and dusted out. And that’s exactly what it is. Nothing more, nothing less, just eagerness. Finished his set faster. [Applause] body. And this is where things get tricky. It starts to get in your head a little bit, doesn’t it? Namosaki, you need to finish here to help your own stability but not allow any tiboska. Let’s preserve. They’re starting to build some momentum. Oh, she’ll be happy with that one for sure. That’ll feel a lot better. And it’ll also feel good to have a second set point. [Applause] Maybe second chance is all she needs to get to a third. body down or not. She went for a risky second serve. [Applause] That’s so dangerous when moving things around from being on cloud n to being deep in a hole. She has another set point. [Applause] body down. I’m sure the frustration is building up, bottling up inside um Naomi’s head. Oh, Now Saka would try number four to wrap things up and take it to a third. That roar you hear undoubtedly Juventus scoring another goal. Osaka wants to score one herself and she can celebrate. So this contest’s easy as 321. Third meeting between these two is down to one set to see who advances in Rome. style of game that she’s she’s putting on display I think is very effective for her against someone like Oaka mostly on clay. She’s using the dynamics of the surface very well. Bav the first time will start off a set from the line. It was Osaka in sets one and two. Here’s Marie’s chance to get the early lead. [Applause] She started this uh she kicked off this final set with something that uh worked for her wonders in the first set, the drop shots. She didn’t apply so many in the second. She didn’t come to the net so many times as in the first set. But it’s also true that Naomi stepped up and just played an even more aggressive tennis. We’re in the tea [Applause] party. fave in Naomi has such control aggression so many times. She’s hitting that ball so close to the lines in the most uncomfortable angles. She’s literally making you run like a rabbit. Marie needs her legs today. But I said she needs energy in her legs for this last set. [Applause] 153. She gets to have her feet inside the the court, inside the baseline. She’s beyond dangerous now. Looking for a possible break already in the debut of the third set. [Music] Very well redirected by Maril. Let’s see the replay. Yeah, she finds a good angle here. Nice fight Very good fight back from 1530 4030 to 4030. Now it’s going to be a huge battle of styles till the end of this match. And Boska has her hold. She’s on the board first in what will be the deciding set. Once again, this is the first time they’ve gone the distance of three sets in now three meetings. Meanwhile, that roar you heard, not the conclusion of the match. How about Matteas Venino of Lazio scoring a goal in the 96th minute and they continue on and the Stadio Olympico. So we’ll be rejoicing in the sound of the Fervent fans nearby. Safe to say that the football is going the distance too. Yeah, without question. Three sets this year. Osaka six and two at tour level. if you throw in a couple of wins in her Samalo 125 when she’s 8 and2 on the year. So she likes her chances [Applause] today. Bavata just trying to battle tough. She knows historically she’s had a tough time with Osaka, but she’s in the mix. win the title. All things considered, Alexander Delgger, in your estimation, if you were in Boska’s shoes now, because she’s at least found a way to win a set finally, does anything change in her approach to how she goes about business in this third set against Osaka? Well, it does change a bit because has become sturdier and more aggressive and has more control shots. Doesn’t miss as much as in the first set. But nonetheless, if she does that till the end of the match and she wins like that, you shake her hand and said, “Well, well done for you, girl.” I mean, good job. But Buscoan needs to keep on playing the same game. She She tried that first setting, was so successful. Mix it up. Try to be aggressive when you have a short ball. Don’t forget about the drop shots and hang in there, girl. And don’t get broken. Don’t get broken. Yeah, she was able to save two break points in that opening set and kept Osaka at bay the rest of the way. Those two break points, mind you. Came in her opening service game. So, she was exceptional the rest of the way as she produced a one- set lead. As you saying, fight till the end. Give yourself a chance. Even though Saka right now, it’s a different person to to the first [Applause] [Applause] set. When is unplayable, she’s unplayable. Now you got to give her what’s hersa matches looks on approvingly one. It’s a reminder of these two as they contest this third set. Boskava 26 years of age, currently 53 in the world, has been as high as 24 with a 9 and8 record this year. Twice quarterfinalist in Brisbane and Bogota and trying to match her best ever result at the Italian Open in her third visit. Two years ago, she was a member of the round of 16. the only time she had won back-to-back matches in Rome until this year. And now she’s trying to win her third in a row. By Maya Sharif in the opening round of straight sets and also needing only two to get past the 18 seed Beatric Hadajaya. She’s taking charge of the point when she has the opportunity. That’s what she needs to do. It’s going to be a fight, Kevin. They’re both really pumped up in this third set. And of course opposite Bos is 27y old Naomi Osaka, former world number one, currently ranked 48 in the world, looking for her 12th tour level win of the season, a quarterfinalist in 2019. 19 but couldn’t play her quarterfinal match that year to Kiki Burton’s had to withdraw from the tournament due to a right thumb injury and a member of the round of 16 one year ago at this event lens for and did you know that they’re both 180 like in height really although Naomi seems taller that’s 5′ 11 if My conversion is right. Okay. Yeah. Just wanted to make sure. Both statuesque women. I always know you’re taller. Even 15. Well, she’d hit six feet if she’s wearing shoes when they measure. Both would. True. What am I in? I’m 172. That’s 5’8, I think. So, the first signs of frustration from now on, she threw her racket not in 15 very mean way. It was just just a little throw. to let go of some of those frustrations. Both of us sent on a sightseeing tour of the foralico. Wow, did she have to cover a lot of ground. Oh my god, that was impressive running by by Marie. She must have an excellent fitness trainer. She’s going to just try to find a way to get some extra air in those longs. She covered a lot of ground, exerted a lot of effort admirably. So, still has a chance to wrap up game three. Best point of the match so far. Probably I concur. And now things a bit more complicated and she’s still a little worse for wear from the previous point. It takes a while to properly come back with your breath after such an effort. I kind of got a lot of warnings because of that. Yeah. Deep slow breaths. Try to bring that heart rate down as quick as possible. Yeah. Because you know what happens after such a long rally? If you step in fast to play the next one, you don’t have enough oxygen in your brain to properly function. Oh, yeah. She dropped it kind of short, loopy and short two times in a row in the middle. That’s an area where thrives. She loves her forehand inside out, inside out, and both inside in And the power of Naomi Osaka comes to the forefront on the break. Her third of the match as she claims the lead in what will be the final set. Is it going to be enough to put her through to the from Stadio Olympico. The match is over. The late goal. Yeah, the late goal by Lazio tied it up and they finish Juventus and Lazio tied at one all. What happened? One all. Okay. You know what that means? They each get a point in the standings. They should be smart, you know, to come down the battle and continue the show here. A great start of the third set. That would be awesome if the Italian Open would let those fans come out of Stio Olympico, come right into the grand stand. get more bang for their buck and why not let them in? Create even more ambiance. They’d be missing if they don’t the start of a pretty solid beginning to the third set. I concur. Win the jati 150. And the court looks good under the lights. The weather is fantastic. They can watch two different sports in just one evening. Magnificent worldass athletes at their respective vocations. 30 turn from Osaka once again. She continues to produce winners at a healthy clip. And she’s on when she pushes on that button and she starts feeling comfortable hitting those balls in full sweet spot. Just overran it a bit and pushed long. Considering the output, we know Saka can be the aggressor. 45 winners today on Clay. But she’s a sweet aggressor. She doesn’t do it in a mean way. Fair point. It wasn’t intended as such, but I see her I always see her as a quiet assassin. 14. She doesn’t say much. She has a very tempered attitude and she’s always down to business. She generates a lot of power without being very noisy, without making a show. The thought behind it wasn’t bad. Took a risk. That’ll be good enough to get her halfway home in the final set. Three to one. And Bkava now just trying to find a way to regroup quickly or this match will slip beyond her grasp. in the desert. 15 left. Bossa trying to find a way to mount to come back here. The fourth highest ranked player from the Czech Republic among six in the top 100. Her compatriate Linda Noskova will be on court tomorrow. the top half of the draw against Mera Andrea. How many has she had before? Well, she does need a little bit of luck this specific time of the match. Telling from behind. [Applause] And I like how she goes about for the tactics. She uh she hangs in there. She she knows she has to go for for her shots from time to time, you know, sparkle a little bit something different. That’s quality. Tremendous touch from Bosa and she has an easy time at the line when she needed it most just to bolster the confidence. A hold at love but still down a break in what will be the final set. Saka in the process up 3-2. Boskova could be seen tapping her foot, bopping her head a little bit too, maybe to alleviate some of the pressure, but she’ll need to put pressure on Naomi Osaka and do so quick or her time in Rome may be coming to a close. Mar’s not actually waiting for mistakes to creep in and just expecting that they will come. She’s also doing something about it. Like what she did in the previous game, how she took charge, she came to the net, she’s looking for initiative. When is playing like this, it’s hard to take any sort of zero third love. Yeah, you’re not kidding. She’s starting to turn up the heat. The velocity of the ball through the court. One winner away from the half century mark and more importantly one point away from 4-2. Let’s for [Applause] Saka continues to take forward steps that are going to bode well for chances here as there’s no room for error for Boska now. [Applause] You go balls. Excellent service game. Nothing to do. Yeah, she’s looked terrific when it mattered most here in this final set. Naomi, she’s lost only four points in three service games. Really not tested at all and had the break in game three. Could be enough. When she turns on the heat and she feels comfortable on court, that’s when she’s at her most dangerous peak because many times it feels like no matter what you’re doing on the other side of the the net is not enough to surpass her anymore. But nonetheless, got to keep fight. Correct. Marie should focus on those aspects of her game that still work really well and keep being a pain for Naomi. When did it settle? 15 because her main advantage is her fighting spirit. The fact that she never gives up. She she keeps herself alive for a long time. She will stand a chance. Tren zero. Third up. [Applause] Guarant finding another level when it matters most. At least from the line since being broken has not dropped a point on serve. War 40 15 How’s that for some fun? And wow, what a pick up from Osaka. That ball had so much spin on it. A Boskova undaunted and she finds her way to the hold and closes the gap. Oh yeah, I think so for sure. Trying to make this a dramatic third set and inspire Boska. I think he needs to make it seem more dramatic. It is in a very good way. Naomi Osaka trying to avoid any drama. Magic numbers two. Two holds, two breaks, a hold and break. Whatever it takes. She’s through the round of 16. And there it is the half century mark for Naomi Osaka in this contest. Her 50th winner. You are hunting for that. I’m not hunting. She’s the one hunting. Look, there you go. You were hunting for the stat. 15. That’s what I’m saying. 51. If you try to wrap your mind around it, it’s huge. Again, somebody who’s been playing so well today. It’s not that she’s not doing anything. That was given as a winner, though it did hit the racket. But all right, they’re going to say 51 now for the contest for Naomi as she’s trying to pull away. She’s trying to roar to the finish line. She’s pushing her more and more. So aggressive serving for Tao. He comes unplayable and Osaka untouchable. She’s really dug down and is producing at a high quality. 14 of her last 16 from the line, including 11 in a row. And that puts her a game away. I don’t know about you, Kevin, but I think that Nami starts to like clay more and more. She looks more composed, happier to be on the surface. Before she was complaining a little bit when she was playing on on the red clay, but now I don’t know, it’s something different about her. You can see Tamaki Osaka, Naomi’s mom. She also likes seeing her daughter more comfortable on the surface cuz that could yield more success. Always want to see your child succeed. Always zero. 15 left. winded your body. 150. She wanted to be aggressive. She stepped in but was a little bit too tight on that forehand. [Applause] the scoreboard doesn’t help the pressure. She’s 15 on a haste, unfortunately. Yeah. Now the things get magnified. Any tension is going to be exacerbated and Bosa has to settle right here or the pink slip exit from Rome is coming. [Applause] It’s tough, but she needs to fight through her teeth for this game. Oh, Naomi just gas lit that back hand struck with perfection and everybody’s getting ready. I feel that the end might be near and for Naomi Osaka she’ll have a break point which is equal to a match point [Applause] and the resurgence of Clayomi continues. in Rome. Eighth consecutive overall match win on the surface as is the third win in as many tries against Boskov. But it took a third set to get it done. But her reward, a return to the round of 16 for the second straight