Osaka Falls Early at Indian Wells, Kvitova Also Crashes Out

Former champion Naomi Osaka suffered a first-round exit at Indian Wells, falling 6-4, 6-4 to Colombia’s Camila Osorio on Wednesday.

Struggling with consistency, Osaka was unable to match Osorio’s sharp shot-making, marking a disappointing return after her Australian Open withdrawal.

Osorio, who fended off four break points while serving for the match, became the first Colombian woman to defeat a former world No. 1. She now faces Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the second round.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova also bowed out, losing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to France’s Varvara Gracheva.

The Czech, still searching for her first win since returning from maternity leave, led 4-3 in the final set before Gracheva surged to victory.

Elsewhere, Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Garcia, and Kei Nishikori advanced, while American qualifier Colton Smith celebrated his 22nd birthday with a comeback win.