Full Breakdown
Aliaksandra Sasnovich Upsets Naomi Osaka at the 2025 China Open
9/29/2025, 12:28:42 PM
Match Overview: Sasnovich vs. Osaka
In a surprising turn of events at the 2025 China Open, Aliaksandra Sasnovich defeated Naomi Osaka, the No. 12 seed and 2019 champion, in the second round. The match, held on September 27, 2025, concluded with scores of 1-6, 6-4, 6-2, marking a significant upset for Sasnovich, who entered the tournament ranked No. 130. This victory not only ended Osaka's impressive streak in Beijing but also marked Sasnovich's first win against a Top 20 player in 16 months.
Match Details and Performance
The match lasted just under two hours, with Osaka initially dominating the first set. However, Sasnovich showcased resilience, coming back to win the second set and maintaining her momentum in the third. Sasnovich's performance improved significantly, achieving a serve accuracy of 64% in the latter sets and hitting 21 winners overall. This victory was particularly noteworthy as it was Sasnovich's first top-20 win since defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova in Rome 2024.
Upcoming Match: Kostyuk vs. Sasnovich
Following her victory over Osaka, Sasnovich is set to face Marta Kostyuk, currently ranked No. 28, in the Round of 32 on September 29, 2025. Kostyuk advanced to this stage after a decisive 6-1, 6-1 win against Ella Seidel. The match is scheduled for 12:30 PM local time and will be available for streaming on various platforms, including wtatv.com and bet365.
Official Statements & Responses
After her defeat, Naomi Osaka reflected on her performance, stating, “I mean, honestly, I don’t think I played well, but I tried to fight. So I’m happy with that.” She confirmed her plans to compete in upcoming tournaments, including the Wuhan Open and events in Japan, as she aims to regain her form.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding Sasnovich's victory, some analysts noted that Osaka's recent resurgence in form made this loss particularly unexpected. Critics pointed out that Osaka had not lost a completed match in Beijing since 2018, raising questions about her current competitive edge.
What's Next for Sasnovich and Kostyuk
As Sasnovich prepares to face Kostyuk, she aims to capitalize on her recent success and advance further in the tournament. A win against Kostyuk would not only boost her ranking but also mark her first appearance in the last 16 at a WTA 1000 event since Roland Garros 2022.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yeah, it was the first match since the US Open, so [I’m] just going to work on a couple things and hopefully play better in the next tournaments.” — Naomi Osaka
This match at the China Open has set the stage for an intriguing encounter between Sasnovich and Kostyuk, as both players look to make their mark in the tournament.
