In Stuttgart, Osaka wins first match in Nike gear

Published April 25, 2019

2019 Stuttgart: N. Osaka vs. S. Hsieh Rd. 2 Match Point

Faced with the test of her first clay-court match against the last player to beat her—in her Nike debut—world No. 1 Naomi Osaka passed with flying colors. She took out Hsieh Su-wei 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday in Stuttgart.

For the first time in four meetings, an Osaka-Hsieh match ends in straight sets. Naomi Osaka makes the Stuttgart 3rd round (and guarantees the No. 1 spot for at least another week) by defeating Hsieh Su-Wei 6-4, 6-3. Faces Donna Vekic next. #porschetennis pic.twitter.com/nq8mCnsgCB
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) April 25, 2019

Her first Nike outfit was a white sleeveless top and dark skirt paired with bright orange shoes. What's most noticeable about her kit is that Nike allowed her to wear her sponsor patches, something they are notorious for not allowing.

STUTTGART, GERMANY - APRIL 25: Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates winning her round of 16 match against Su-Wei Hsieh of Taiwan on day 4 of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix at Porsche-Arena on April 25, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) — © 2019 Getty Images

The win marks Osaka's first main-draw win in Stuttgart in three appearances, and her 10th career clay win. It was also Osaka's third meeting in 2019 against Hsieh, having beaten her in three sets in Melbourne and lost to her in Miami. She'll take on Donna Vekic on Friday.

This Week on Tennis Channel PLUS: April 22, 2019