[49] Naomi Osaka (JPN) vs. [52] Shelby Rogers (USA)
The last time they met was two years ago, a lot has changed since then; thus, although Rogers led their head-to-head 2:0, Osaka is the higher ranked player. Is it better mentally to elect to receive in the first service game if you have won the toss? It can go either way. It can benefit you if you are the more experienced player and think that the occasion will unnerve your less experienced opponent. Rogers won the toss and elected to receive and Osaka was broken immediately. When the conditions have changed significantly, it is also a good move mentally to use the first game to get your rhythm.
I have seen Osaka play in person and she is a very talented young player. Less we forget, she is still a teenager and once she figures out how to use the weapons she has, she will be a force on Tour. At the moment she is still too impatient, moody and her shot selection is still questionable. I think once she learns to work the points better she will be tough to beat. She has improved her movement around the court significantly from 2015 and will only get better with time.
One of the enjoyable things about tennis is watching the players grow into their talent. I saw Rogers play a few years ago and was impressed with her power and how clean was the contact between her ball and the racquet. It’s nice to see her putting it all together consistently. Despite the score, the first set was a battle. Rogers fought off break points in the eighth game and that seemed to deflate her opponent. The second set was much easier and Rogers won 6-4, 6-2.
FYI: Rogers had never gone past the second round at this tournament.
SOURCE OF IMAGE: Yahoo Sports
