The Big Sip
Image: www.wtatennis.com
The take: Aliaksandra Sasnovich only landed five first serves in the opening set and still beat Naomi Osaka 1-6, 6-4, 6-2. The Belarusian qualifier earned her biggest paycheck of the season. Tennis rankings reward consistency over occasional brilliance.
What happened: Sasnovich upset Osaka in Beijing's second round on September 27, 2025, recovering from a disastrous first set to dominate the next two.
Why it matters: Osaka's loss disrupts betting lines and sponsor expectations tied to star advancement. Rankings and seedings create false certainty in a sport where execution trumps reputation.
What to watch: Sasnovich hasn't won consecutive matches since February. Her next match tests whether she can build momentum or return to her pattern of isolated wins.
Reciepts
• [Primary] WTA match report: “From a set and a break down, Sasnovich stuns Osaka in Beijing” (Sep 27, 2025). Women's Tennis Association
• [Primary] Official WTA match page + stats: “Osaka vs. Sasnovich | Round of 64 — China Open 2025” (1:56; 1–6, 6–4, 6–2). Women's Tennis Association
• [Analysis] Sports Illustrated day wrap: “China Open: Naomi Osaka Upset, Emma Raducanu and Qinwen Zheng roll.” SI
• [Primary] US Open archive: “Naomi Osaka flawless in 6-0, 6-0 win over Sasnovich” (Sep 1, 2018). US Open
• [Clip] WTA video highlights: “Sasnovich comes from a set and a break down to upset Osaka in Beijing.” Women's Tennis Association
Tennis keeps pretending that the top players are untouchable, then acts shocked when someone ranked outside the top 100 reminds them that they also know how to hit a ball.