This archive report was first published on 20 August 2021.
Naomi Osaka Falls to Jil Teichmann in Cincinnati Masters Upset ¶
Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, suffered a stunning third-round loss to Swiss wild card Jil Teichmann at the WTA Cincinnati Masters on Thursday, August 19, 2021.
Osaka, the world number two, went down 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to the world number 76, citing her Tokyo Olympic third-round loss as a factor in her defeat.
"I was doing all I was supposed to do," Osaka said. "In the second and third sets I was too defensive."
Teichmann, who has struggled with several injuries this season, was back to health and took just over two hours to defeat Osaka, breaking the Japanese star six times, three in the final set.
Osaka wished she could have won more than $24,200 in prize money to donate in aid of the earthquake recovery effort in Haiti, her father's homeland, but tournament officials said they would match her donation.
Osaka has had a rough ride since withdrawing during Roland Garros over emotional issues and skipping Wimbledon. She has played only two hardcourt preparation matches since the Olympics.
"I'm feeling more confident in myself," Osaka said. "There were times where I was doubting myself. It's important to remind myself what my strengths are."