Naomi Osaka Faces Tough Match Against Liudmila Samsonova in Berlin

Berlin, Germany — Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will take on Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova in the first round of the Berlin Tennis Open on June 17, 2025. This match marks Osaka’s return to the grass courts as she seeks to build momentum ahead of Wimbledon.

Osaka, currently ranked No. 57 in the world, has a challenging season behind her. With a record of 17-7 for the year, she has struggled on grass, holding a mere 1-2 record over the past twelve months. Despite past successes, her best performance at Wimbledon was reaching the Round of 32 in 2017 and 2018.

Samsonova, ranked No. 20, is coming off a disappointing early exit at the Libema Open, where she lost in the first round despite being the top seed. She aims to bounce back and improve her current 3-4 record on grass.

The head-to-head shows Osaka leading 2-1 against Samsonova, with their last encounter resulting in an Osaka victory at the Miami Open earlier this year. On grass, though, both players will be encountering new challenges.

“I need to be more consistent to keep my ranking,” Samsonova said, reflecting on her recent struggles. For Osaka, her break point conversion rate of 35% raises concerns heading into the tournament.

The match is set to feature contrasting styles, with Osaka’s powerful baseline play against Samsonova’s more controlled groundstrokes. Fans are eager to see who will prevail on the lush grass.

As the match approaches, the weather is expected to be warm and partly cloudy, setting the stage for an exciting contest. The odds favor Samsonova slightly, with betting markets suggesting a close encounter.

This match will be crucial for both players as they continue their journeys on the WTA Tour and aim for success on grass.