Liudmila Samsonova Triumphs Over Naomi Osaka in Berlin Tennis Open

In a thrilling first-round match at the Berlin Tennis Open, Liudmila Samsonova, the 2021 champion of the tournament, showcased her resilience by overcoming four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka after initially losing the first set. The match, which took place on June 17, 2025, ended with scores of 3-6, 7-6(3), and 6-4, taking a total of 2 hours and 36 minutes to complete.

Samsonova, currently ranked No. 20 in the world, displayed remarkable determination and skill, particularly in the second set where she managed to fend off a 0-40 disadvantage on her serve while tied at 5-5. This pivotal moment allowed her to reach the tiebreak, which she won decisively, losing no points. In the decisive third set, a critical break at 3-2 ultimately set the stage for her to serve for the match at 5-4, where she successfully saved two break points, sealing her victory against Osaka.

“I was just trying to fight till the end,” Samsonova stated after the match, reflecting her competitive spirit. This victory marks her first win since the third round of the French Open and brings her one step closer to the title she claimed in 2021 when she emerged as an unexpected champion, defeating notable players such as Madison Keys and Victoria Azarenka along the way.

On the other hand, Naomi Osaka, who was competing for her first Top 20 win since the Australian Open earlier this year, faced disappointment despite her strong start. The match represented their fourth encounter in the last 15 months, with Samsonova now leveling their head-to-head record at 2-2.

Next up for Samsonova is a challenging match against defending champion Jessica Pegula, the current No. 3 seed, who secured her first grass-court title at this very event last year. This matchup promises to be an intriguing battle, as both players have demonstrated their capabilities on grass courts.

In related news, Zheng Qinwen, the fifth seed, withdrew from the tournament due to a neck injury sustained earlier, which had hindered her performance despite a strong semifinal run at Queen's Club. Her withdrawal opened the door for lucky loser Ashlyn Krueger, who will face World No. 11 Elena Rybakina in the first round.

As the tournament progresses, spectators can anticipate more exciting matches and potential upsets, further shaping the competitive landscape of women’s tennis during the grass-court season.