Qualifier sends seeded Garcia to Rome washout

Colombian qualifier Camila Osorio sent fifth seed Caroline Garcia to a 6-4, 6-4 opening defeat at the Rome Masters on a wet Saturday in a rain-interrupted victory performance.

The No. 100 who had to win her way into the main draw, held her nerve in atrocious conditions which included a rain delay on a gloomy day.

The outsider will make her first appearance in the fourth round of a 1000-level WTA event as the result of her victory in just under two hours.

Osorio, 21, who was out for two months this season with a leg injury, had lost to 2022 WTA Finals champion Garcia in a Lyon SF in February.

“I have no words, I’ve been struggling with injury but I’m back and playing again,” the winner said.

“I can’t believe I beat the fifth seed. I’m super-happy and proud I stayed in itto finish the match.

“I just tried to fight and run for every ball.”

Garcia saved a match point but handed Osorio another as she went wrong on an overhead backhand volley which thudded into the set.

The Colombian sent over a serve winner to cap the victory to run her record this season to 13-6 in main draws.

Garcia’s season continued to disappoint as she lost to a player ranked outside the Top 50 for the fifth time in 2023.

Main photo:-Camila Orsorio pulls off a shock win in Rome – by WTATennis.com