Naomi Osaka 'trying to learn' from Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek, Bianca Andreescu is back - Madrid Open Diary

Osaka is a fast learner Naomi Osaka said before her opening round she may have picked up a trick or two from Rafael Nadal’s ‘claybook’ by studying some of his videos on clay, and she mentioned she planned on watching him practise this week in Madrid. Ad/> Initially, she wouldn’t reveal what parts of the Spaniard’s game she “stole” but after easing past Anastasia Potapova 6-3, 6-1 on Friday, it became rather obvious what Osaka was referring to, particularly on the last point of the contest.

Roland-Garros'Never give up and fight' — Alcaraz inspired by Nadal after Indian Wells defeat13 HOURS AGO On match point, Osaka predicted Potapova would hit her second serve wide to her backhand so she took several steps to her left in anticipation to go around the backhand and hit an inside-out forehand, which helped her set up the point nicely and she finished it off at the net moments later. The former world No.1 said she watched Nadal practise earlier in the day and explained why she particularly tested out that move in her match.

“I believe watching like Nadal, Iga [Swiatek] does it too – which I think is really cool – but just like knowing when to kind of hit a forehand instead of a backhand and knowing when to run around,” said Osaka, who next faces home favourite Sara Sorribes Tormo in round two. “I think a lot of really good clay-court players do that, so I'm trying to learn how to do that, as well.” /> Studious Osaka picking up Nadal tips and praise for superhero Swiatek – Madrid Diary A hero’s welcome for Nadal, and a heart-to-heart with Halep – Madrid Open diary Andreescu finds her purpose Bianca Andreescu played her first tournament of the year last week in Stuttgart, returning from a six-month hiatus that included a