ZCZC
BSP-05
TENNIS-WTA-USA-OSAKA
Top-ranked Osaka shocked by Bencic in Indian Wells 4th round
INDIAN WELLS, United States, March 13, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – World number one and defending champion Naomi Osaka crashed out of Indian Wells on Tuesday, routed 6-3, 6-1 by Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic.
Japan’s Osaka was trying to defend a title for the first time in her career. Her triumph in this elite WTA premier mandatory tournament launched a stellar rise in 2018 that included a first Grand Slam title at the US Open.
She followed that up with an Australian Open crown that propelled the 21-year-old to number one in the world.
BSS/AFP/AU/08:30 hrs