Osaka finds rare grass success in Germany

Naomi Osaka managed a rare grass court win on Tuesday as the Japanese hardcourter left it late to start her pre-WImbledon build-up.

The four time grand Slam champion on cement in Melbourne and New York, has only this week on grass at the WTA Bad Homburg event to prepare for Monday’s start at the All England club.

Osaka has played the major only five times in her career and has never passed the third round.

But after defeating Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals, the 28-year-old has suddenly found growing confidence on the lawns.

“Honestly, it’s really fun to learn match by match,” she said. 

“A (fast start) is really important on grass, because of how fast it feels the matches go.

“But, honestly, I don’t really think about it; I just try to play my game, and thankfully, I did get a really good start.”

Osaka’s success was her best ever on grass and she celebrated by ringing her toddler daughter. “’’m going to call my daughter later, it always brightens my day to talk to her.”

Osaka’s previous grass quarter-final appearances all came at the 250 or Challenger level or lower dating back a dozen years.