Italian Open Updates: Osaka Battles Through, Badosa Pulls Out Due to Injury

Naomi Osaka and Ons Jabeur advance to the third round, while Paula Badosa and Petra Kvitova withdraw due to injury.

Naomi Osaka and Ons Jabeur have advanced to the third round of the Italian Open in Rome. Osaka secured a thrilling win over Swiss lucky loser Viktorija Golubic, coming back from a set down with a 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 victory. 

This win marks Osaka's first comeback from a set deficit on clay since 2019, when she defeated Victoria Azarenka at the French Open. Osaka's recent form has been impressive, having won the L'Open 35 de Saint-Malo title last week, which she credits to gaining valuable clay court experience.

That's some comeback 😲@naomiosaka | #IBI25 pic.twitter.com/mdfji1bhdR

— wta (@WTA) May 8, 2025

Meanwhile, ninth seed Paula Badosa withdrew from the tournament due to a recurring back injury, raising concerns about her fitness ahead of the French Open. Badosa's withdrawal allowed Osaka to face Golubic, whom she described as a tough opponent with impressive skills. Twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova also pulled out due to injury, further reshaping the tournament lineup.

Petra Kvitova's withdrawal due to a leg injury handed Ons Jabeur a walkover spot in the Italian Open's third round. Jabeur will now face either sixth seed Italian Jasmine Paolini or qualifier Lulu Sun.

Kvitova, 35, had shown promising form after her maternity leave, securing her first win since her comeback by defeating Irina-Camelia Begu 2-0 in the first round. Her withdrawal raises concerns about her fitness ahead of the French Open.