New Delhi: Peyton Stearns pulled off a career-defining triumph over Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in a gripping three-set battle at the Italian Open. The 23-year-old American outlasted the former World No. 1 with a 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 victory to book her place in the quarterfinals.
While Stearns’ tennis undoubtedly stole the spotlight but it was her remarkable grit and physical resilience under visible distress that captured even more attention. This wasn’t the first big name she’s taken down during her Rome campaign. Stearns had earlier ousted fifth seed Madison Keys, showing she’s not just a one-match wonder.
what a match!!!! 👏@peyton_stearns outlasts Osaka in a thriller to reach the Rome quarterfinals: 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(4)!#IBI25 pic.twitter.com/jWCdK8F3WP
— wta (@WTA) May 12, 2025
Reflecting on her condition in the on-court interview, Stearns candidly said, “I think in the tiebreak I was just trying not to throw up in the middle of the court. I wasn’t feeling the best. I dug deep. I don’t think I’ve dug that deep in a while.”
Despite battling nausea and fatigue, she held her nerve in the decisive moments to close out an exhausting match. Moments after sealing the win and shaking hands with Osaka, Stearns was seen vomiting courtside again, highlighting the extent of her physical struggle during the match.
A little trip to the bucket for Peyton 😭🤢 pic.twitter.com/kUuGRPtdGR
— Owen (@kostekcanu) May 12, 2025
As for Osaka, the Japanese star has struggled to recapture her best form since returning to the tour last year after a 15-month maternity break. She came into Rome with momentum after winning a smaller event in Saint-Malo, France, earlier this month. However, her early exit once again raises concerns. She hasn’t progressed beyond the last 16 in any tournament above the WTA 125 level since finishing runner-up in Auckland back in January.
What next?
Stearns will next face either Danielle Collins, who famously knocked out defending champion Iga Swiatek or Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals. Either way, if her form and fighting spirit hold, she will quickly climb the rankings and will become a fan favourite to watch out this clay season.
Peyton Stearns overcomes Frecce Tricolori distraction to upset Naomi Osaka and reach Italian Open last 16. The American star even battled illness to secure the spot. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
