Naomi Osaka Makes Strong Comeback to Win in Wuhan

Wuhan, China – Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka overcame a set down to defeat Leylah Fernandez 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the opening round of the Dongfeng · Voyah Wuhan Open on Tuesday. The match lasted two and a half hours, marking Osaka’s first victory at the tournament.

Osaka, who had not competed in Wuhan since 2017, started the match with a shaky performance, double-faulting on the first point. Despite briefly holding serve, Fernandez broke Osaka to lead 3-2 in the first set and maintained control, winning it 6-4.

The second set was a test of resilience, as both players faced a total of 13 break points. After racing to a 4-2 lead, Osaka battled through six double faults but ultimately broke Fernandez’s serve, taking the set and forcing a third.

Conditions were tough, with temperatures around 85 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels soaring. Both players opted for a 10-minute break to recover before the decisive set. Returning to the court, Osaka quickly established a lead of 4-1.

Fernandez could not rally this time, and Osaka clinched the victory with a backhand winner on her second match point.

This win not only marked Osaka’s first victory in Wuhan but also evened her WTA head-to-head against Fernandez at 1-1. Osaka has now recorded her seventh comeback win this season, tying her personal best from 2019. She will face Liudmila Samsonova in the second round, continuing her pursuit of a deep run in the tournament.