Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka faced a challenging start to her clay-court campaign, falling 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to Italy's Lucia Bronzetti in the Madrid Open first round. The closely contested match saw Osaka push through momentum shifts, with Bronzetti extending concern for the Japanese star's well-being during their post-match handshake.
Currently ranked 55th globally, Osaka entered the tournament unseeded after taking a four-week break following her Miami Open run. Bronzetti advances to face fifth-seeded Madison Keys, eyeing her third career WTA 1000 third-round appearance.
Meanwhile, rising star Alexandra Eala continues her breakthrough season, defeating Viktoriya Tomova 6-3, 6-2 to set up a Madrid rematch with world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. The 19-year-old Filipino previously stunned Swiatek as a wild card at March's Miami Open, creating anticipation for their second-round clash.
