Naomi Osaka Escapes From Jaws of Defeat in a Dramatic Match at the Rome Open

Naomi Osaka produced a dramatic turnaround in her second-round match against lucky loser Viktorija Golubic, clawing back from the brink of defeat to extend her winning streak in 2025. What began as a shaky and uncharacteristic performance turned into a display of resilience and tactical adjustment, as Osaka rallied from a set and a break down to force a deciding third set and then win it (2-6, 7-5, 6-1).

Originally slated to face Paula Badosa in a marquee matchup, Osaka instead took the court against Golubic after both Badosa and Petra Kvitova withdrew from the tournament. But the change in opposition came with its own challenges. Golubic, a crafty player known for her heavy use of slice and change of pace, completely disrupted Osaka’s rhythm in the early stages.

A Rome REVIVAL for Naomi today 🙌#IBI25pic.twitter.com/AiQIt5yK3A

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 8, 2025

The first set was a disaster for the four-time Grand Slam champion, who appeared visibly frustrated and uncharacteristically emotional on court. Missing forehands and struggling with timing, Osaka dropped the opener 2-6. At one point, she threw her racket in frustration and received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct—an unusual sight for the typically composed Japanese star.

Much of Osaka’s trouble stemmed from Golubic’s tactical slicing and slow-paced serves, which drew errors and prevented Osaka from generating her trademark power. “She’s complaining that the serve is too slow,” one commentator observed, as Osaka grappled with the deliberate pace set by her opponent.

“A Roman Revival’

Down 4-5, @naomiosaka takes the second set 7-5 and forces a decider in Rome!#IBI25pic.twitter.com/5zzr54koBf

— wta (@WTA) May 8, 2025

Down 2-6, 4-5, with Golubic serving for the match, Osaka found herself one game away from an early and surprising exit. But in that moment, something clicked. Osaka broke to love, showing signs of the aggressive and focused player who’s been on a strong run since returning from maternity leave.

From there, the momentum shifted. Playing noticeably better from the left side of the chair and beginning to read Golubic’s slice more effectively, Osaka cleaned up her groundstrokes and reeled off three straight games to steal the second set 7-5—an astonishing turnaround from her earlier form.

After the second set turn around it was a complete momentum shift as she ran away with the third set 6-1 and never looked troubled for even a moment. This is exactly the kind of match that Osaka would have been looking for, to give her that much needed match practice and confidence on the highest level. This victory could be a pivotal moment for Osaka in her quest for her next big title. 

Naomi Osaka fights back from a set down to Viktorija Golubic in Rome 👏 pic.twitter.com/OqX27S5scH

— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) May 8, 2025