Osaka beaten in first round again

Naomi Osaka's U.S. Open preparations suffered another setback when the former world number one was swept aside 6-4 7-5 by China's Zhang Shuai in the Cincinnati Open first round.

It was only her third tournament back from an Achilles injury and it has been a stuttering return to action for the twice U.S. Open champion, who also exited in the opening round in Toronto last week, retiring with lower back pain.

For Zhang, doubles champion in Cincinnati last year, it was her first singles win at the event since 2014.

"Naomi she is amazing but I don't know she is maybe not really feeling good today," said Zhang. "But for sure today - not her best today."

Zhang next meets Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova who was a 6-4 7-5 winner over 13th-seeded Canadian Leylah Fernandez, losing finalist at last year's U.S. Open.

This year's major at Flushing Meadows starts on Aug. 29.

 

Photo: PHOTOSPORT Caption: Osaka beaten in first round again