Osaka tells tale of 11-minute set changeover



N. Osaka vs. V. Azarenka: Second Round

World No. 1 Naomi Osaka is only human, but as one of the most relatable athletes on the planet, you probably already knew that. She beat Victoria Azarenka 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 on Thursday at Roland Garros and admitted to some panic during a very long set-break changeover.

"When I went to the bathroom, to change, I was freaking out, because I didn't want to get a code violation," she said. "So I was rushing and stuff."

Azarenka was up a set and 4-2 before Osaka surged back. Both players left the court to change, taking 11 minutes to resume play.

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28: Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts during her ladies singles first round match against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovakia during Day three of the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros on May 28, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
© 2019 Getty Images

"And then I came back and saw that she wasn't back," Osaka said. "That kind of just relaxed me. I wasn't really thinking about anything, just I'm first, like I was the first one back. So I was just like whatever."

The WTA rule book states that, "Players will be allowed one toilet/change of attire break per match", but doesn't specify a time limit. You'd think that a two-time Grand Slam champion would stand her ground and calmly take her time, but it's the complete opposite with the mild-mannered 21-year-old. 

"I was in such a rush changing—my hands were shaking during that entire time," she said.

Osaka can rest easier now: After two comeback wins she's into the third round and plays Katerina Siniakova on Saturday.