"I played well today" - Says Kudermetova after win over Osaka

No.21 seed Veronika Kudermetova defeated former champion Naomi Osaka, 6-0, 6-4 to advance to the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.

In their first meeting on Saturday night, Kudermetova proved the more in-form and consistent player, a result of a strong start to the season that has seen her make two finals in Melbourne and Dubai and enjoy doubles success as well by narrowly completing a sweep of titles in the Middle East. The Russian was great both on serve and return and following the match, she said:

"It's nice to play against great players, against Naomi, because I never play against her. I want to play that match because I want to see what I can improve, what I need to improve. I play really well today. I hope I will continue to play like that."

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She stormed through a 6-0 opening set with clutch serving, while benefitting from a wayward Osaka. Kudermetova saved all four break points she faced in the opening set, while keeping Osaka's dangerous return game at bay. She served at 73% first serves in, winning 81% of her first-serve points. Kudermetova's return numbers were equally staggering, winning 75% of her first-serve return points and 67% of her second-serve return points.