Melbourne, Jan 17 (UNI) Defending champion Naomi Osaka of Japan began her title defence at the Australian Open with a resounding 6-3 6-3 victory over Colombian Camila Osorio on the Rod Laver Arena on Monday.
"I thought I played pretty well given the circumstances, I didn’t have a lot of information about my opponent," said Osaka after the win.
"I hope that we gave you a really good performance. It always feels very special for me to come back here," she added.
Osaka needed just 100 seconds to hold serve as she raced to a 3-0 lead. The 20-year-old Osorio was unable to convert a pair of game points in the fourth game as Osaka, the more experienced of the duo, dictated play off both wings.
A slew of six unforced errors in the ensuing two games off the racket of Japan’s top player – including a flubbed overhead enabled Osorio to claw back some of the deficit.
Seizing the momentum, the Colombian held to love and generated two break points, but Osaka, wielding her powerful forehand, fended off both to clinch the set 6-3.
As clouds parted to make way for the afternoon sun, Osorio created two break-point chances in Osaka’s opening service game, but was unable to capture either.
The composed Osaka then broke Osorio and consolidated a 3-1 lead. Games proceeded on serve until the ninth game, when Osorio pummelled a backhand into the net to hand Osaka the win.
Osaka will face Madison Brengle in the second round, Brengle advanced after her opponent Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine retired after trailing 1-6, 6-0, 0-5.

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