Berlin 2025: Naomi Osaka vs Liudmila Samsonova preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Naomi Osaka vs Liudmila Samsonova
Date: June 17, 2025
Tournament: German Open
Round: First Round
Venue: Rot-Weiss Tennis Club, Berlin, Germany
Category: WTA 500
Surface: Grass
Prize Money: $1,064,500
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - BBC/Tennis Channel
Naomi Osaka vs Liudmila Samsonova preview
Naomi Osaka will take on Liudmila Samsonova in the first round of the German Open.
Osaka has had a frustrating season so far. After a runner-up finish in Auckland, she reached the fourth round in Miami and Rome. She also captured her first title on clay at the WTA 125 in Saint Malo. The former World No. 1 defeated Kaja Juvan in the final, 6-1, 7-5.
Osaka will enter Berlin after a disappointing first round exit in Paris. Despite a valiant effort against Paula Badosa, the Spaniard prevailed in three-sets, 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4. The 27-year-old will make her second appearance at the German Open this year.
Meanwhile, Liudmila Samsonova has had a solid season. After a second round exit in Melbourne, she reached the quarterfinals in Indian Wells and secured a runner-up finish in Strasbourg. Despite a resilient effort against Elena Rybakina, the Kazakh outfoxed her in the finals, 6-1, 6-7(2), 6-1.
The Russian will enter Berlin after a fourth round exit in Paris. She defeated the likes of Leyre Romero Gormaz and Dayana Yastremska in the initial few rounds but couldn't solve the riddle against Zheng Qinwen. The Olympic gold medalist eliminated Samsonova in three sets, 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-3.
Naomi Osaka vs Liudmila Samsonova head-to-head
Osaka leads the head-to-head against Samsonova 2-1. She defeated the Russian most recently in the 2025 Miami Open.
Naomi Osaka vs Liudmila Samsonova odds
Odds will be updated when available.
Naomi Osaka vs Liudmila Samsonova prediction
Osaka has yet to find her best potential on grass. She reached the quarterfinals in Rosmalen last year, which was best result on the surface in the last five years. The Japanese will be desperate to make a deep run in Berlin and silence her critics on tour.
On the other hand, Samsonova not only reached the third round in Wimbledon, but also clinched the title in Rosmalen last year. She's among the most consistent players on tour and will be tough to beat in Berlin. The Russian is also a former champion at the event (2021).
Considering their record on grass and form on tour, Samsonova will be a slight favorite to win. The 26-year-old should be able to absorb the early pressure from Osaka and exploit her weaknesses in the first round. She is more likely to begin with a win in the German Open.
Pick: Samsonova to win in three sets.