Top seed Naomi Osaka is pursuing her first title at the Japan Open. During the tournament, she suffered an injury to her left leg.
Osaka faced defending champion Suzan Lamens in the fourth round, who provided tough competition. The first set ended in Osaka's favor, but she struggled to maintain the lead in the second set.
In the third set, Osaka took a 5-0 lead, but injured her left leg when Lamens hit a backhand shot. Despite the injury, Osaka continued playing and requested a medical timeout, returning with a strapped left thigh.
Naomi Osaka back on court now.
Osaka's determination paid off as she managed to defeat the defending champion, advancing in the tournament.
Author's summary: Naomi Osaka defeats champion despite injury.