Osaka, Kvitova lose in Indian Wells; players mixed on new surface
Naomi Osaka and Petra Kvitova lost in their Indian Wells debuts on Tuesday, while players have mixed reactions on the new surface.
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OSAKA, KVITOVA FALL SHORT, ABSORB EARLY EXITS AFTER TOUGH LOSSES
Osaka and Kvitova fell short in their latest comeback attempts in the women’s tour.
Furthermore, Osaka never got going in her 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Colombian Camila Osorio.
Moreover, Osorio became the frst Colombian woman to beat a former world No.1 in any WTA tournament.
Osaka fended off matchpoint at 5-3 in the second set to bring some life for her fans.
However, the Colombian managed to regroup to finish off her opponent.
“I really wanted to play on this court and was really excited and looking forward to playing a champion like Naomi, so I can’t believe it,” Osorio said.
CZECH EX-WIMBLEDON CHAMP YIELDS TO GRACHEVA
Kvitova yielded to Frence’s Varvara Gracheva, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, as she joined Osaka in the sidelines.
Moreover, the Czech former Wimbledon champion had a promising start by taking the opening set before Gracheva forced a decider.
Furthermore, Kvitova took a 4-3 lead in the third set after she won three-straight games.
But Gracheva responded by dominating the final three games to end the former champion’s latest comeback bid.
“Because she had a child quite recently and I’m so happy that she now has the role of a mother and a tennis player, which is very demanding,” the Colombian said.
PLAYERS DIVIDED ON INDIAN WELLS’ NEW COURT SURFACE FROM LAYKOLD
Meanwhile, players were divided on Indian Wells’ new court surface in a departure from the usual slow hard courts.
Furthermore, organizers switched from a court surface by Plexiclave to Laykold and was unveiled on Tuesday.
Moreover, top players Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina share their thoughts about it.
“I love them. They’re a little bit faster, which is good for me, right?” Sabalena asked.
“Honestly, it’s a change that I didn’t understand when I saw it. (For) 25 years the tournament (used) the same court, and then right now has changed,” Alcaraz added.
Rybakina welcomes the chance to try the new courts if it benefits her game.
“The past few days were very windy and a lot of sun came, so it’s also a bit different, the bounce. But I think the court is still nice,” she said.
