In the final set, Zheng mixed in slices and more precise placements to draw more errors from Osaka and broke serve to lead 3-1.

Striking several aces and keeping Osaka deep behind the baseline on many shots, Zheng went ahead 5-2.

Osaka held serve to reach 5-3.

Then in a long four deuce game, Zheng struck several aces to finish with a total of 23 aces for the day.

After striking several powerful forehands, Osaka reached breakpoint.

However she failed to convert as she sent an inside out down the line forehand long.

Osaka saved three match points in the final game before striking a crosscourt backhand wide as Zheng held serve to close out the match with set three stretching for 47 minutes.

Osaka, ranked 113 after a maternity leave, appeared somewhat rusty against the 8th ranked Zheng who was overall too solid with the placements of her groundstrokes and serves.

The four time grand slam winner Osaka on many points attempted to overpower Zheng but was not consistent enough to stay in several points of the match.

The Berlin tournament is a warm up tournament for Wimbledon which begins July 1st in London.

Osaka has not yet advanced past round three at Wimbledon and won her last grand slam title at the 2021 Australian Open.