WATCH: Osaka rushes to help Saville who is screaming in pain
WTA
Naomi Osaka's opening match of the Japan Open ended in sad scenes, but the home star showed her class by rushing to help Daria Saville while she was in pain.
Osaka was competing for the first time since the US Open in Tokyo. The two-time champion at Flushing Meadows lost in the opening round this year to Danielle Collins, who hit several blistering backhands during the match.
That defeat continued a challenging season for Osaka. The 24-year-old's results have not matched the standards she set in the few years after winning her maiden Grand Slam at the 2018 final. Osaka defeated Serena Williams, who recently bid farewell to tennis, in 2018.
Sometimes, competing on home soil can be the perfect way for players to build some momentum and confidence. As expected, the crowd gave Osaka an excellent reception as she walked out onto the court for the opening round.
Sadly, the crowd only saw her complete one full game when her opponent, Saville, suddenly fell, screaming in pain. Osaka did not freeze in that moment and proved what a kind-hearted person she is.
As seen in the video below, Osaka ran over to Saville immediately to give her a towel. The Australian likely did not appreciate the gesture at the time because of the pain, but she probably did afterward.
Osaka's classiness was also shown in a message she sent to Saville afterward, wishing her the best and remembering Saville's kind remarks to her at this year's French Open.
"Hi Daria, it's Naomi. I just wanted to wish you the best. I hope you're doing better. I just want to let you know you're one of the funniest people on the Tour and I still remember all the nice things that you said to me at the French [Open] this year."
"I want you to know that I'm wishing you the best. I hope that it's not a major injury at all and you'll bounce back, because that's what you're good at."
