Second seed Naomi Osaka was yet to find her best self on the tennis courts at the Cincinnati Open 2021. Consequently, she paid the price in the third round, losing to Swiss professional Jil Teichmann 6-3, 3-6, 3-6.

Before this match, the Japanese World No.2 had battled past 17-year-old American Coco Gauff. Without any question, it was clear then that Osaka needed to spend more time on the court.

Although she got the perfect start, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion failed to hold her lead. As a result, the 24-year-old Swiss player registered the biggest win of her career.

Read More: “Always Wanted To Go”: Serena Williams Reveals a Dream Destination On Her Bucket List to Venus Williams

Naomi Osaka and Jil Teichmann go the distance in Cincinnati R3

Unquestionably, Osaka got off to an impressive start in the match. She not only got two early back-to-back breaks in the opening set, but found herself get going into the rallies.

Despite losing her service at 3-0, the 23-year-old Japanese star booked the first set at 6-3. In some ways, she made a statement that she is back on the Tour again.

However, from the start of the second set, Osaka’s level dropped. And across the net, Teichmann, who got really pumped up in the opening set, took advantage of it.

Notably, the Japanese star looked out of rhythm for the first time in this match. Although she saved three breakpoints earlier and then a set point, she could not hold her service game. It allowed Teichmann to take the second set 3-6.

Ultimately, both the players got into the third set to fix a seat in the quarterfinals in the 2021 Cincinnati Open. After losing one service game each, Osaka and Teichmann found themselves level at 2-2 in the decider.

Watch this story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, And Other Tennis Stars Travel

Osaka and Teichmann’s epic end at Cincinnati Open 2021

Following that, Naomi Osaka gave her opponent a crucial break at 2-3; however, she recovered the loss immediately in the next game. Yet, the twists were not over in this toe-to-toe battle between Osaka and Teichmann.

At 3-4, the Swiss professional got another break of serve and then closed the match 6-3, 3-6, 3-6. Indeed, she provided Osaka with a much-needed wake-up call ahead of the US Open 2021 event.

In the quarterfinals, Teichmann will either meet compatriot and Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic or Karolina Muchova. Can she go on to create a dream run in Cincinnati?

Also Read: BAGEL: Ashleigh Barty Trounces Defending Champion Victoria Azarenka at Cincinnati Open 2021