Things were going swimmingly for Naomi Osaka on Wednesday in Osaka – until they weren’t.
The four-time major champion was two points from winning the third set from Suzan Lamens via bagel, but suddenly pulled up lame with a left leg injury that forced her to immediately take a medical timeout.
Osaka got the leg strapped with Lamens waiting to serve at 0-5, 40-30 in the final set.
She would return to the court to applause, and eventually close out the victory two games later, 7-6(6) 3-6 6-2.
“It was definitely really difficult,” Osaka said. “I’m kind of sorry about my attitude, but I’m really glad to have won – it’s very special to play here.”
She cut the interview short saying “Can I go, my leg is really hurting,” and immediately headed off court.
It remains to be seeen if Osaka, who turns 28 tomorrow, will return for her quarterfinal against Jaqueline Cristian on Friday.