The first rounds of the Ningbo Open and the Japan Open kicked off with thrilling matches and some unexpected withdrawals. Paula Badosa held off a tough challenge, while Elisabetta Cocciaretto needed over three hours to secure her place in the second round in Osaka.
Ningbo Open (Ningbo, China)
Paula Badosa Survives Tough Opening Match
Eighth-seeded Paula Badosa of Spain overcame Russia’s Diana Shnaider in a hard-fought three-set match, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Badosa showed resilience after dropping the first set, rallying back to secure her spot in the next round.
Other Results
- Yulia Putintseva (Kazakhstan) dominated Caroline Dolehide, cruising to a 6-2, 6-0 victory.
- Tamara Korpatsch (Germany) mounted a comeback against Hungary’s Anna Bondar, winning 6-7 (4), 7-6 (6), 6-4.
- Xiyu Wang (China) dispatched Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-0 with a commanding performance.
- Mirra Andreeva (Russia) rolled over Varvara Lepchenko 6-2, 6-0.
Top Seeds Withdraw
Two top seeds, Jasmine Paolini (No. 1) of Italy and Emma Navarro (No. 3) of the United States, withdrew before the event. Paolini pulled out with a left foot injury, while Navarro withdrew due to illness.
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Japan Open (Osaka, Japan)
Cocciaretto Wins Epic First Round Battle
Eighth-seeded Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy endured a marathon first-round match, defeating French qualifier Jessika Ponchet 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (3). Cocciaretto saved 14 of 20 break points and converted six of her 15 break chances to advance to the second round, where she will face Japan’s Aoi Ito, who outlasted Sofia Kenin 6-2, 3-6, 7-5.
Other Results
- Suzan Lamens (Netherlands) upset No. 6 seed Viktoriya Tomova (Bulgaria) 6-1, 6-2.
- Lucia Bronzetti (Italy) beat Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4 to set up a clash with Lamens.
- McCartney Kessler (USA) saved seven of eight break points in a 6-4, 6-1 win over Japan’s Ena Shibahara.
- Denmark’s Clara Tauson fired 10 aces in a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Katie Volynets (USA).
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Post-Match Reactions and Key Takeaways
Paula Badosa on Her Tough First-Round Win:
“It was a challenging match, but I kept fighting and found my rhythm in the second set. I’m happy to advance and hope to keep improving.”
Elisabetta Cocciaretto on Her Marathon Win:
“It was a battle out there. Saving those break points was crucial, and I’m relieved to have come through. Now, I’m looking forward to my next match.”
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Looking Ahead
In the Japan Open, Elisabetta Cocciaretto will take on Aoi Ito in a second-round match, while Lucia Bronzetti and Suzan Lamens will clash after their respective first-round wins.
Paula Badosa will aim to maintain her momentum as the competition heats up at the Ningbo Open.
