Naomi Osaka’s performance during Monday night’s session was less polished, but the Japanese 13th seed dug deep to defeat Anastasia Zakharova and reach the second round.
The former world No. 1, who won the US Open at Flushing Meadows in 2018 and 2020, made a strong start before facing a determined fightback from Zakharova.
Osaka broke serve at the first opportunity to move 2-0 ahead in the opening set. Although she could not convert another chance to take a 4-0 lead, she appeared comfortable after moving 5-2 in front.
Zakharova responded with resilience, forcing the set into a tie-break. The 22-year-old also recovered from another early break in the second set, but Osaka’s powerful serve proved decisive.
Osaka established a commanding 5-1 lead in the second tie-break and completed the victory shortly before 00:30 local time, avoiding the need for a deciding set.
Osaka will face Czech Republic player Katerina Siniakova in the second round and promised fans another surprise with her outfit.
“I wanted to play well because I wanted to show you guys some more outfits,” she said.
“I love expressing myself through clothes – because I don’t like talking too much.”
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
