Naomi Osaka’s hopes of winning a third Grand Slam title came to an end after losing to Kazakh Yulia Putintseva, 7 – 6 (7 / 4 ), 6 – 2 in the first round on Monday
The Japanese said she had felt a weight lifted from her after losing her number one world ranking but it did not show against a talented opponent on Centre Court.
Russia-born Putintseva had never been on Centre Court before and admitted to being taken aback by its circular shape, although she was far from over – awed in the manner she played.
Putintseva said she was getting more accustomed to grass , although, she still feels clay is her best surface and added having a good record against Osaka counted for nothing when they walked out onto Centre Court.
