Osaka still hopeful to qualify after 2 losses

Naomi Osaka didn’t have the run she was hoping for at the WTA Finals in Singapore.

In fact, the upcoming Japanese had to bow in the first 2 matches in 3 sets after losing to a surprisingly good Sloane Stephens (7-5 4-6 6-1) and to Angelique Kerber (6-4 5-7 6-4).

It seemed as the Japanese struggled with the pressure and she was outsmarted in her last match against Angelique Kerber after she was defeated even if she looked to be in complete control of the match in the decider. In fact, Naomi won 4 consecutive games ( from 4-6 4-5 to 4-6 7-5 1-0) and she had a clear opportunity to break the German when Naomi was already leading 2-1. Eventually, things didn’t go her way.

After that match, the Japanese stressed the fact that despite the loss she was “happy” to have learned a lot.

Actual mood. Tried my hardest today, couldn’t win but I learned a lot 😭 https://t.co/mvrcPHh9CD

— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@Naomi_Osaka_) October 24, 2018

Why Osaka can still qualify

Besides the disappointment, Naomi can still well qualify for the semifinals if she wins and the “other match” between Sloane Stephens and Angelique Kerber goes her way.

In fact, given the fact that Naomi needs to beat Kiki Bertens and Sloane has to defeat Angelique Kerber, with this scenario, Naomi qualifies if

1- She wins in 2 sets;
2- She wins in 3 sets and Sloane in 2 sets;
3- She wins in 3 sets and Sloane in 3 sets (in this case Naomi qualifies if she has a better win-loss % in games.

You’ll never know.