By BILL SCOTT
Amanda Anisimova handed slumping Naomi Osaka a second straight Grand Slam disappointment before rain set in on Monday at the French Open.
The 28th-ranked American duplicated her upset scenario of last January in Melbourne (third round) as she sent Japan’s former No. 1 out 7-5. 6-4 in 92 minutes as clouds gathered over Roland Garros.
Rain later interrupted play around the grounds, though matches went ahead under the new roof of the Chatrier showcase arena.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”reg,2,3,4,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
Osaka, who now stands 38th in the world after a long slow slide down the rankings due to mental health and injury pauses, has never been past the third round in Paris.
“I fought very hard, overall it wasn’t too bad,” Osaka said.
“I didn’t have the chances to prepare as well as I wanted for this tournament.
“Today I made some bad decisions on court, but it wasn’t too bad.”
Osaka can close the book on a disaster of a spring clay season, which she ended with a win and two losses and appearances only in Madrid and Paris.
Anisimova, a 2019 semi-finalist here, produced 27 winners to 13 or Osaka.
[/ihc-hide-content]
Aryna Sabalenka began her quest for a third straight title at the US Open as…
Carlos Alcaraz ended a four-and-a-half month injury exile with a resounding 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat…
Williams has lost her last 15 matches as a wild card, with her last victory dating…
Novak Djokovic hit the wall as the 24-time Grand Slam winner vomited at the back…
Third seed Jessica Pegula got up and running on Sunday's opening day at the US…
Former finalist Casper Ruud made a last-minute pull out on Sunday as the US Open began,…