'Super Disappointed' Osaka Comeback Ended by Big-serving Pliskova

Naomi Osaka leaves the court in Brisbane after losing her singles match against Karolina Pliskova. Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
Naomi Osaka leaves the court in Brisbane after losing her singles match against Karolina Pliskova. Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
TT
20

'Super Disappointed' Osaka Comeback Ended by Big-serving Pliskova

Naomi Osaka leaves the court in Brisbane after losing her singles match against Karolina Pliskova. Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
Naomi Osaka leaves the court in Brisbane after losing her singles match against Karolina Pliskova. Patrick HAMILTON / AFP

Naomi Osaka said Wednesday she was "super disappointed" but just being on court was a "personal win" after her return to tennis at the Brisbane International was ended by defending champion Karolina Pliskova.
Pliskova, who won the tournament the last time it was held in 2020, bounced back from losing the first set to grind down the Japanese star 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 in the second round, AFP said.
World number two Aryna Sabalenka, meanwhile, thumped Italian Lucia Bronzetti 6-3, 6-0 in a dominant display on Pat Rafter Arena.
"Even though it's super disappointing today, I know that if I keep training and if I keep putting in the work, then I'll eventually get to where I want to be," said Osaka.
"It's kind of tough because she has such a great serve -- my break points could have been better, but I think other than that, we both played really well.
"Even stepping on the court is a personal win because a couple of weeks ago I was even doubting if I could play with everyone," she added.
"So I guess these two matches that I've had kind of prove to me that I am doing okay, and the year is just going to get better for me."
The four-time Grand Slam champion had not played a tournament since September 2022, citing mental health concerns. She had a baby daughter in July before deciding to make a comeback.
After an impressive first-round win over Germany's Tamara Korpatsch, Osaka started strongly against the 39th-ranked Pliskova, breaking the Czech's opening service game.
Pliskova, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, leveled but Osaka broke again to take a 4-2 lead then held on to bank the opening set.
The momentum began to shift in the second set as the tall Pliskova began to find the mark with her serve.

She won the second set tiebreak then got an early break in the third, holding on with ease to take the match in 2hr 13min.
Pliskova has won the Brisbane International three times and said she felt better and better as the match progressed.
"I thought I played quite well -- there are a lot of things to improve but it's a good start," said Pliskova, adding that after a first-round bye and having not played since September, she needed time to find her feet.
"You can practice as much as you want but in matches it's always a little bit different," she said.
Reigning Australian Open champion Sabalenka was in imperious form against Bronzetti, breaking the Italian once in the first set and three times in the second.
"I'm super happy with the performance and I think I played a really great match," said Sabalenka, who won 24 points to Bronzetti's five in the second set.
"I just hope I can keep this same level for each match, or even better.

 

 



Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense Play to Scoreless Draw in Club World Cup 

Borussia Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham, left, and Fluminense's German Cano, right, battle for the ball during the Club World Cup group F soccer match between Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund in East Rutherford, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP)
Borussia Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham, left, and Fluminense's German Cano, right, battle for the ball during the Club World Cup group F soccer match between Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund in East Rutherford, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP)
TT
20

Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense Play to Scoreless Draw in Club World Cup 

Borussia Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham, left, and Fluminense's German Cano, right, battle for the ball during the Club World Cup group F soccer match between Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund in East Rutherford, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP)
Borussia Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham, left, and Fluminense's German Cano, right, battle for the ball during the Club World Cup group F soccer match between Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund in East Rutherford, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP)

Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense played to a 0-0 draw in the Club World Cup on Tuesday in rainy conditions before a crowd of just less than half capacity at MetLife Stadium that heavily favored the Brazilian club.

Fluminense's best scoring chance came in the 58th minute on a left-footed shot by Agustín Canobbio from the center of the box that was saved by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

Newly signed Jobe Bellingham, the brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, made his debut for Dortmund in the 59th minute as a substitute for Pascal Gross.

American midfielder Gio Reyna was dressed for Dortmund but did not play.

The crowd of 34,763 was tilted toward Fluminense, with fans waving flags and singing for their team.

The German club qualified for the Club World Cup with a top-four finish in the Bundesliga, while Fluminense qualified as the 2023 Copa Libertadores champion.

Fluminense played more aggressively, with a 14-7 advantage in shots. Dortmund held the possession advantage at 54.5%.

Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio preserved the draw in the fourth minute of additional time when he saved a shot by Niklas Süle from outside the box in the bottom right corner.

The draw leaves the teams tied for first in Group F. Dortmund's next match is Saturday against Mamelodi Sundowns at Cincinnati, while Fluminense will play Ulsan on Saturday at MetLife Stadium.

“We had some chances, we were superior. We had all the tools to win. ... We feel frustrated and happy at the same time. We showed our quality, our strength and we should have won today,” said Fluminense midfielder John Arias.

“The pitch is different turf, different grass than in Europe. In my opinion, the pitch was a little bit soft and not dry, but the ball was not traveling as fast as we are used to. This is my impression, my feeling. We don’t search for any excuses,” said Dortmund coach Niko Kovac.