Rattled by spectator’s outburst, Osaka loses at Indian Wells

Indian wells, calif. (AP) — Naomi Osaka was rattled by a heckler early in her second-round match against Veronika Kudermetova on Saturday and never recovered as she fell 6-0, 6-4 at Indian Wells. Osaka trailed in the first set when a woman in the stands shouted, “Osaka, you suck.” The Japanese star approached the chair umpire to ask that something be done. But the umpire explained that she didn’t know who it was and could not take any action.

“I didn’t hear what lady say because I really so focus on my game, on my serve game, I didn’t understand what she say,” Kudermetova said.

“But after that moment, I saw that Naomi, she start to cry.”Osaka later made the unusual request to use the umpire’s microphone to address the crowd, which did not happen. A supervisor came on court for a prolonged discussion with Osaka.

The supervisor told the umpire “if it happens again, we’re going to find him.” Kudermetova waited behind the baseline for the match to resume. Afterward, Osaka spoke to the crowd with tears streaming down her face. “To be honest, I’ve gotten heckled before, like it didn’t really bother me, but heckled here,” she said, her voice trailing off.

Nadal escapes
Rafael Nadal didn’t have it as easy in opening his pursuit of a fourth title at Indian Wells. He got pushed to the limit by practice partner Sebastian Korda before winning 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (3), giving Nadal a 16-0 record this year. “I started to play a little bit more crosscourt with my forehand and with having a little bit more of calm,” Nadal said. “He made a couple mistakes and I was able to save myself.”

Medvedev cruises
Daniil Medvedev beat Tomas Machac 6-3, 6-2 in the second round of the Russian’s first tournament since ascending to No. 1 in the world. Medvedev made quick work of his Czech opponent, finishing Machac off in just over an hour. The Russian won 80% of his first-serve points and saved the lone break point he faced.

Sabalenka stunned, Badosa shines
World number three Aryna Sabalenka suffered a shock loss in her first match, falling to Italian Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the second round. Paula Badosa kicked off her title defense with a 6-2, 7-6(4) win over Tereza Martincova.