Naomi Osaka beats nerves to knock Lucia Bronzetti out of

Former world No 1 into second round after 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 victoryOsaka could face Swiatek after first grand slam win since 2022

The closer Naomi Osaka edged towards her first grand slam title win in more than two years, the more she found herself unable to play with the freedom she craved. From 4-0 up in the third set of her French Open first-round match against Lucia Bronzetti, a match largely decided on her racket, Osaka’s nerves began to wreak havoc. She soon found herself on the verge of a crushing defeat.

When she truly needed to step up, though, Osaka steadied herself and recovered. After three turbulent sets, she moved into the second round with a 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 victory.