By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Naomi Osaka fought off six break points midway through the final set out-dueling Maria Sakkari, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, to advance to the Birmingham second round.
Photo credit: Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Facebook
Naomi Osaka opened her grass-court campaign solidifying her status as a commanding closer.
A fierce Osaka fought off six break points midway through the final set out-dueling Maria Sakkari, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, to advance to the Birmingham second round.
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The top-seeded Osaka took the court knowing a first-round loss would open the door to second-ranked Ashleigh Barty seizing the world No. 1 ranking with a run to the final this week. Osaka confronted the pressure with calm and can extend her 21-week reign at the top provided the Roland Garros champion does not take the title on Sunday.
Deadlocked at 2-all in the final set, the two-time Grand Slam champion made a stubborn stand saving six break points during a tense 10-minute hold for a 3-2 lead.
That spirited stand helped propel Osaka through four of the last five games.
The 21-year-old Osaka improved to 11-2 in three-setters this season, second behind Johanna Konta for best winning percentage in three-set matches.
Service philanthropy from Sakkari benefited Osaka at the outset.
Losing her rhythm on serve, Sakkari spit up three straight double faults to open the third game then sprayed a backhand gifting a love break to the top seed.
Sakkari surrendered seven straight points on serve then clanked another double fault as Osaka streamed through eight of nine points on the Greek's serve snatching the double break for 4-1.
Dual dominance makes Osaka an oppressive offensive player. Osaka can dictate on serve and deconstruct on return. Slashing a backhand return strike down the line to start the seven game, Osaka banged another biting return earning her third break to seal a one-set lead.
Confronting serve turbulence for the first time since her first service game, Osaka slid her fourth ace out wide then scooted a backhand off the sideline holding at 30 for a 2-1 second-set lead.
Still, Sakkari stayed positive and kept taking her cracks. When Osaka missed a backhand, Sakkari had her first break and a 3-2 second-set lead.
Sakkari's coach, Birmingham native Tom Hill, urged her to play more slice, throw in some drop shots and take pace off and keep the ball out of Osaka's expansive strike zone. Hill massaged his message with responsibility telling his charge "it's on me" if the adjustment failed.
Sakkari acted on that advice, had game points to confirm the break, but Osaka found the edge of the sideline breaking back in the sixth game.
Mixing her spins to unsettling effect, Sakkari scored her second straight break.
The Greek No. 1 nailed down the second set breezing through a love hold while unsettling Osaka with her change of pace tactics.
Level at 2-all in the decider, Osaka dug in and denied six break points, rapping timely serves in roaring back from a love-40 hole to navigate a 10-minute hold.
The Athens native tried shaking off that near break taking another consultation with coach Hill, who urged her to mix her spins. Sakkari conceded she felt her best shot slip away.
Osaka deepened that dread of lost opportunity exploiting a sloppy Sakkari service game to break again for 4-2.
The world No. 1 streaked through 10 of 11 points extending the lead to 5-2. Osaka closed in one minute under two hours to raise her record to 22-6.