Osaka rallies to a win against Putintseva with help of crowd energy

World No. 73 and 2019 China Open champion Naomi Osaka defeated No. 21 seed Yulia Puntintseva 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the second round of the WTA 1000-level tournament. Over the course of the match, the energy switched from one player to the other.

Osaka and Putintseva's strengths created a relatively balanced game. Osaka dominated with serves and raw strength, while Putintseva met power with excellent returns and rallies. Their compatibility for competition was showcased in the three deuces in a row at the beginning of the first set.

Putintseva managed to break the pattern in the fourth game, when Osaka failed to score a point. From then on, Putintseva controlled the rest of the set, outlasting Osaka in their numerous rallies. Osaka tried to keep up, but failed to capitalize on her powerful serve.

The match began to turn in Osaka’s favor as the energy of the crowd shifted. There had been clear favoritism towards Osaka from the beginning of the match by the onlooking fans. The crowd also applauded Puntintseva's successful points, but in game six of the second set Putintseva lost the crowd’s support. After making minor complaints about ball kids and line calls throughout the first set, her full frustration was triggered when a beeping sound rang through the Lotus Court. Putintseva stepped back during Osaka’s service, refusing to play until the sound was stopped. The crowd came to Osaka’s aid by booing until Putintseva relented and stepped back in.

Putintseva’s energy never returned. Meanwhile, Osaka was visibly recharged by the increased cheering and support of the fans and her serve became more confident, only allowing for two games in Putintseva’s favor in the third set.

—Reporting by CJ Christy