Madrid Open: Another early loss for Osaka on clay

Former world No 1 Naomi Osaka suffered another early loss on clay – this time going down in three sets to Liudmila Samsonova in the second round of the Madrid Open.

The Russian came into the match on a four-match losing streak, including a loss to Osaka in Indian Wells. But the No 15 seed started the match strong winning the first set 6-2. Osaka, who lost her opening round match in Rouen last week, fought back to win the second set 6-4.

In the decider, both players held serve until the 11th game when Samsonova broke the Osaka serve and then held her serve to complete the 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 win in two hours and 24 minutes.

With the loss, Osaka’s record for the season goes to 8-8.

Samsonova will next face 18th seed Madison Keys, of the United States, for a place in the last 16.

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