Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams Lose in Third Round of French Open
(June 1, 2019) Both No. 1 Naomi Osaka and three-time champion Serena Williams, seeded 19th lost in the third round of the French Open on Saturday.
Osaka was dismissed by world No. 42 in singles Czech Katerina Siniakova 6-4, 6-2 while Williams lost to fellow American Sofia Kenin 6-2, 7-5.
“It’s incredible. It’s amazing. It’s the thing I couldn’t believe,” said Siniakova,
Osaka made 38 unforced errors, while Siniakova had only 13.
Osaka admitted that she suffered a lot of stress in Paris.
“This tournament I have had a feeling that was different to every other Grand Slam that I have played, said the Japanese player. “because usually I find it very freeing and fun, and this time around I was kind of tense the entire time. I have been tense even when I’m sleeping.”
The loss snaps her 16-match win streak at major tournaments.
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As for Siniakova, she advances to the fourth round to play last year’s Roland Garros semifinalist Madison Keys.
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Kenin will play No.8 seed Ashleigh Barty of Australia in the round of 16. Barty stopped Andrea Petkovic 6-3, 6-1.
“Just playing against Serena, you’ve really got to fight for every point,” Kenin said to media. “She’s such a tough player. I’m just so happy with this win.”
“In that first set, in particular, she hit pretty much inches from the line, and I haven’t played anyone like that in a long time,” Williams said to media. “I just saw a player that was playing unbelievable.”
Williams thought about not playing Paris at all, as she has been dealing with a knee injury, but decided to play,“it’s been a really grueling season for me.”
Defending champion Simona Halep is the highest seed remaining in the women’s draw. Halep won 6-2, 6-1 over No. 27 Lesia Tsurenko.
Halep will play Polish teen and last year’s junior doubles Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek. Swiatek, who is making her debut in the French Open, ousted Monica Puig, 0-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Another teen is on her way to the French Open 4th round – American Amanda Anisimova. The 17-year-old defeated Irina-Camelia Begu 7-6, 6-4. She’ll play for a spot in the quarterfinals against Aliona Bolsova.
In’s men’s play, No. 1 Novak Djokovic’s streak at majors is now up to 24 matches as he defeated qualifier Salvatore Caruso of Italy 6-3, 6-3, 6-2. He’s aiming for his second French Open title and fourth major title in a row, trying to equal his “Nole” slam he completed 2015-2016 when he held all four major titles at the same time.
Juan Del Potro beat Jordan Thompson 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 to reach the fourth round and will play 10th seed Karen Khachanov, who defeated Martin Klizan 6-1, 6-4, 6-3.
Foruth seed and last year’s finalist, Dominic Thiem, defeated Pablo Cuevas 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 and plays Frenchman Gael Monfils next.
Also advancing to the round of 16 were: No. 5 Alexander Zverev, No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas, No. 9 Fabio Fognini No. 14 Gael Monfils, No. 24 Stan Wawrinka and unseeded Jan Lennard Struff.
More to follow….
