Osaka’s Clay-Court Woes Continue in Madrid Exit
Naomi Osaka’s struggles on clay continue as she bows out of the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open in the second round, succumbing to Liudmila Samsonova in a hard-fought three-set battle. The former world No. 1 has not won consecutive matches on the surface since 2019, and despite a promising start in Madrid, she fell short against the 15th-seeded Samsonova, who snapped a four-match losing streak.
Osaka, known for her dominance on hard courts, has been determined to prove her mettle on slower surfaces this season. She kicked off her clay-court campaign early at the Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole, but lost in the first round. However, her strong performance in Madrid, where she defeated Greet Minnen in straight sets, suggested progress.
The unseeded Osaka faced a tough draw in Madrid, which pitted her against Samsonova, whom she had beaten on hard courts at the BNP Paribas Open last month. Samsonova, too, has excelled on hard courts, reaching two WTA 1000 finals last season. However, she had been struggling for form since February, losing her last four matches heading into Madrid.
The match began with a lightning-fast start from Samsonova, who raced through the first four games as Osaka struggled to find her rhythm. Osaka managed to get on the board, but Samsonova remained unfazed, taking the first set with a love service hold.
Samsonova continued her momentum in the second set, breaking Osaka to open and edging ahead 4-2. However, Osaka rallied, winning four consecutive games to level the match at one set apiece. Samsonova double faulted on a third set point, handing Osaka the advantage.
The decider was a tense affair, with both players exchanging breaks early on. Osaka saved break points in two service games and came within a game of victory. However, Samsonova fought back, breaking Osaka and serving to stay in the match. She then converted a backhand miss from Osaka to break again and clinch the victory.
Samsonova will now face Madison Keys in the third round, who defeated Irina-Camelia Begu in two tiebreakers. Osaka’s exit from Madrid marks another setback in her quest to conquer clay, but she will have another chance to prove herself at the upcoming French Open.
