Emerging
Jun 23, 2026 Major2
82%
Osaka advances to second round at Bad Homburg Open ahead of Wimbledon
Naomi Osaka defeated unseeded Magdalena Fręch 6-4, 6-1 at the Bad Homburg Open on June 22, advancing to the second round in her grass-court season debut. The match extended over two days due to rain, and Osaka will next face Elize Mertens as she builds momentum ahead of Wimbledon.




Quick Facts
Who
Naomi Osaka
What
First-round match at Bad Homburg Open
When
June 21-22, 2026
Where
Bad Homburg, Germany
- First-round match at Bad Homburg Open
- Match postponed due to rain
- Osaka defeated Fręch in straight sets
- Osaka advanced to second round
- Second-round opponent determined as Mertens
Naomi Osaka secured her place in the second round of the Bad Homburg Open, a WTA 500 event held in Bad Homburg, Germany, by defeating unseeded Magdalena Fręch of Poland 6-4, 6-1 on June 22. The match spanned two days after rain forced a postponement, with Osaka building an early 5-0 lead in the first set before the weather delay at 5-4. After resuming play, Osaka broke Fręch's serve in the tenth game to claim the first set, then dominated the second set with a 66% first-serve point-winning rate and 73% on second serve, securing two breaks while conceding only one game.
The 28-year-old sixth seed, currently ranked 15th in the world following her French Open quarterfinal run, marked her grass-court season debut at the tournament, which serves as a final warm-up before Wimbledon begins on June 29. In her post-match interview, Osaka highlighted her serving power as a key asset on the grass surface. "My ball is quite heavy compared to many other players," she said. "I hope that helps me win on this surface." She also spoke positively about the impact of her fashion choices, noting that she enjoys expressing herself both on and off the court.
Osaka will face Belgian player Elize Mertens, ranked 26th globally and a 10-time tour winner, in the second round. This is Osaka's second appearance at Bad Homburg in two years, having exited in the second round during her previous visit. The strong opening performance provides an encouraging foundation as she prepares for her grass-court campaign leading into the Grand Slam.
Why This Matters
Osaka's commanding straight-set victory marks a strong grass-court debut and demonstrates the form she'll bring to Wimbledon, one of tennis's most prestigious tournaments. Her dominant second-set performance—particularly her 73% second-serve point-winning rate—signals she has adapted well to the faster grass surface. With a favorable second-round draw against Mertens, Osaka has positioned herself well to build confidence before the Grand Slam begins just one week later, making this result a critical barometer for her Wimbledon prospects.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 21, 2026
WireBad Homburg Open first-round match between Osaka and Fręch begins; rain causes postponement at 5-4 in first set
Jun 22, 2026
WireMatch resumes; Osaka defeats Fręch 6-4, 6-1 to advance to second round
Jun 23, 2026
WireMatch reports published
Jun 29, 2026
WireWimbledon Championships begin