Osaka makes early Australian Open exit after upset

Reigning champion Naomi Osaka has lost the chance to defend her third Australian Open title after suffering an upset 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (10-5) defeat to American world No. 60 Amanda Anisimova, reported Xinhua.

The four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan took control of the third round match from the beginning, relying on her powerful serves, and closed out the first set after an early break.

But her opponent, 20-year-old up-and-comer Anisimova, soon found her rhythm in the second set, bouncing back with a 4-1 lead while managing to hold off Osaka's brutal service to tie-off the set.

By the third set each, playing at the top of their game, refused to give any opening in their service game.

Osaka managed to bring the set to 5-4, but ultimately failed to close out the match despite two match points at deuce.

Anisimova won her service bringing the match to a tiebreaker which had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Pulling out all the stops, the American broke away early before closing out the tiebreaker 10-5.

"Going into this match I knew I had to be playing sharp if I wanted to give myself a chance," said Anisimova after her shocking victory.

"I knew I had to step up my game and be aggressive and I think that's what I did in the second set."

The young American said she was looking forward to her next round where she will face Australian world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty.

Barty, playing her match concurrently, found much smoother sailing. Closing out her match against world No. 33 Camila Giorgi of Italy in straight sets 6-2, 6-3 in just one minute past an hour.

"I thought tonight was really clean. I looked after my service games really well," said Barty during a post-match interview.

Osaka's elimination will likely be a well-received boon for the world No.1, who is vying for her first grand slam win on home ground.

Their fourth round match will take place on Sunday, day seven of the Australian Open.