Osaka Battles Back On Barty For First Beijing Crown
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Naomi Osaka came from a set down to deny World No. 1 Ash Barty 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to win her first Beijing title.
After a slow start, Osaka grabbed early breaks in each of the last two sets to claim her second straight title (after Osaka) and fifth of her career.
“I just told myself if I stop being so dramatic I could honestly contest it,” Osaka said of the comeback. “I think that’s what I did in the second and third.”
“For me, I just do what I’ve been doing for, like, 21 years, which is play tennis,” Osaka stated. “That’s the main thing for me. That’s the thing that I’ve done every day of my life and what gives me most joy.”
After coming up short in her US Open title defense, Osaka has caught fire in Asia having won her last 10 matches.
“It feels good,” said Osaka. “For me, this was my goal. After I lost in the US Open — I pretty much don’t want to say I planned — but I really meditated on it. It just feels like I accomplished what I set out to do.”
It’s also Osaka’s second Premier Mandatory title after Indian Wells last year.
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