TOKYO -- Naomi Osaka is the tennis star of Japan and has withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympics.Osaka was defeated by Marketa Vondrousova, former French Open finalist, 6-1, and 6-4 in Tuesday's third round of the Olympic tennis tournament.Osaka, who was born and raised in Japan, finished second. Vondrousova, on the other hand, produced a series drop-shot winners and other clever shots that forced her opponent to step out of her comfort zone.Vondrousova, 42nd in ranking, said that it was difficult for her to play in Japan and the Olympics. "It's so pressure that I can't imagine.Osaka lit the Olympic cauldron Friday night and won her first two matches in straight sets after a two-month mental break. The conditions Tuesday were not the same. It was raining outside so the roof was closed.Vondrousova was playing Osaka for her first time. She came out with her whole game clicking and quickly took a 4-0 lead during the first set. Osaka had barely time to regroup herself.In the first game of the second set, Osaka broke Vondrousova's serve. However, she almost immediately gave the break back when Osaka double-faulted to make the score 2-2.Osaka broke her serve once more to end the match. She hit a cross-court backhand wide and shook hands at Vondrousova at her net. Vondrousova walked past her, grabbed her racket, and followed Vondrousova out of the court.Despite both players producing 22 winners, Osaka made 32 unforced mistakes to Vondrousova’s 10. It wasn't just an off day for Osaka, it was an exceptional performance by Vondrousova.Vondrousova stated, "I also [beat] Simona Halep twice, but now I think she [Osaka] has the greatest." "She was the face of the Olympics and the greatest player in the game. It was difficult for her to play like that."Osaka won 49% of her first serves, but she only managed 64% of her first serves.One point in the second set, Vondrousova hit a forehand shot with underspin and scooped forehand that hit right on the line. Osaka stared at the line for several seconds in disbelief.Osaka led 4-3 in the second with break points, but Vondrousova scored consecutive drop-shot wins to bring Osaka back into the game.The match ended approximately 10 minutes later.Vondrousova stated, "I just really believed from the moment I stepped onto the court." "I believe that that's what's important."Nadia Podoroska, Argentina or Paula Badosa from Spain will be Vondrousova's quarterfinal opponent.Men's action: Third-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas from Greece defeated Frances Tiafoe, USA, 6-3,6-4 to reach the final 16.Novak Djokovic also added another medal event to the program when he entered the mixed doubles draw alongside Nina Stojanovic, his Serbian partner.Tsitsipas can also be entered in combination with Maria Sakkari.This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
