Osaka and Azarenka Progress in Bad Homburg Ahead of Wimbledon 2025
Former world number ones Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka secured confident victories on Monday to reach the second round of the Bad Homburg Open, a key grass-court warm-up ahead of Wimbledon 2025.
Naomi Osaka Ends Losing Streak with Hard-Fought Win
Japan’s Naomi Osaka, returning from maternity leave and seeking form on grass, edged past Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic in a closely contested match, winning 7-6(8), 7-6(4).
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Osaka fired 16 aces, showcasing her powerful serve
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Both sets went to tiebreaks in a two-hour battle
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She saved four break points while converting on key pressure moments
“It’s my first grass-court win of the year, so I’m really excited about that,” said Osaka, who entered the tournament as a wildcard.
“I think I have potential on grass… I can never take the wins for granted.”
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, halted a three-match losing streak that included defeats in Rome, the French Open, and Berlin.
She now faces fifth seed Emma Navarro from the U.S. in the next round.
Victoria Azarenka Cruises into Round Two
Two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka made light work of Germany’s Laura Siegemund, winning 6-2, 6-2 in straight sets.
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Azarenka, 35, had to qualify for the main draw
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Her next opponent is none other than World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, promising a blockbuster second-round clash
Despite entering as a qualifier, Azarenka looked sharp, controlling the baseline rallies and dominating with her consistent returns.
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Looking Ahead
With Wimbledon around the corner, Osaka and Azarenka’s performances signal promising momentum on grass. Osaka’s clash with Navarro and Azarenka’s meeting with Swiatek will be key matches to watch as both former champions aim to build confidence ahead of the year’s third Grand Slam.
