2019 Champ Osaka bests Bejlek to make Round of 16

Sara Bejlek is still introducing herself to the tennis world. Even Naomi Osaka was still learning about her this week. 

Bejlek, who won her first WTA Tour title earlier this year in Abu Dhabi, pushed the 2019 China Open champion to the brink before Osaka escaped 7-6 (4), 6-4 to reach the fourth round.

“I actually didn't know she was lefty until Tomasz made me start practicing with a lefty,” Osaka said. "That was a bit of a surprise.

"It’s definitely a really fun and stressful match.”

After a grueling start to the second set, Osaka finally found an opportunity to pull ahead in Game 6. A double-fault from Bejlek allowed Osaka to lead 30-0, and a second double-fault gave her the first break of the set for a 4-2 edge. 

It was the beginning of the end for Bejlek. After three more games of ferocious rallies, Osaka claimed another game and broke Bejlek for a third and final time for the win.  

Osaka’s infectious positivity was on full blast, even in crucial moments in the first set. 

With the set tied 5-5, she giggled as a deep ball slipped past her and called “good shot” to Bejlek after a well-placed winner. Whenever Bejlek slid past her defense, Osaka tapped her racket in applause. 

Her good humor was juxtaposed with Bejlek’s visible frustration throughout the first set. Heavy sighs, muttered remarks and quiet groans echoed through Lotus Court whenever the 20-year-old lost a point. During the tiebreak, Bejlek lightly threw her racket down after losing three points in a row.

Osaka stayed consistent throughout the match, leading Bejlek in first serve percentage 77 to 60. Her second serve percentage was even stronger, with 93 percent to Bejlek’s 82 percent.

The two women weren’t the only ones battling it out in Lotus Court. Fans of both players attempted to out-cheer one another. 

“Thank you guys so much,” Osaka said to the fans after the match. “I really appreciate it. You guys are so kind, and it’s very special to play here.” 

She finished her speech with a finger heart, and the arena erupted in cheers one last time. 

By Isabel Kirkwood