Belinda Bencic takes advantage of Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal to continue her journey at the Australian Open

Friday 17th January 2025 02:29 AM

Belinda Bencic is qualified for the round of 16 of the Australian Open. The 27-year-old Saint Galloise, returning to the Grand Slam after the birth of her daughter Bella, took advantage of the abandonment of Naomi Osaka, affected in the abdominals.

The care provided on the edge of the court was not enough for Naomi Osaka. — © YUICHI YAMAZAKI / AFP

The Japanese started the game well, putting a lot of pressure on the serve until leading 4-1. But little by little, Belinda Bencic strengthened her game, while Naomi Osaka experienced more and more severe pain. She decided not to continue after ending up losing the first set 7-6 (7-3).

Also read: Back at the Australian Open, Belinda Bencic ‘feels like a normal mom’ and a player who ‘progresses every day’

In the next round, the last Swiss woman competing in Melbourne will face the winner of the Coco Gauff-Leylah Fernandez match.