Picture Credit: Twitter
Japan’s Naomi Osaka ended her four-match losing streak as she moved to the next round of Tokyo Open when opponent Daria Saville retired injured.
Saville suffered a horrific injury as she yelped in pain after playing a short forehand and collapsed to the court in pain. She was able to walk later but decided to not continue with the game and shook hands with Osaka.
However, it was Osaka’s gesture that won the hearts of the fans as she rushed to Saville’s aid after latter cried in pain.
Osaka kneeled down next to Seville and covered her legs with the towel while they waited for the medical team to arrive.
Watch the video here:
After the match, Osaka shared a video message for world number 55 and wished her a speedy recovery.
"Hi Daria, it's Naomi. I just wanted to wish you the best. I hope you're doing better. I just want to let you know you're one of the funniest people on the Tour and I still remember all the nice things that you said to me at the French [Open] this year. I want you to know that I'm wishing you the best. I hope that it's not a major injury at all and you'll bounce back, because that's what you're good at," Naomi Osaka said.
Osaka will now face Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second round of the Tokyo Open.