Four-time Japanese Grand Slam Champion, Naomi Osaka kicked off the Aukland Open in New Zealand, to an impressive start.
She beat her Israeli opponent, Lina Glushko 6-4 6-4 in what was her first match since October this year.
She suffered a back injury at the China Open and was forced to end her 2024 season prematurely.
Although she felt like she had to “scrap a little for the first round” against Glushko, Osaka was pleased with the outcome.
“I just kept trying to tell myself ‘one point at a time’ and try not to get discouraged.
Thankfully, it came out in my favour at the end,” she commented.
The former World number one has been vocal with some of her struggles, especially returning to the sport a year ago after giving birth to her daughter.
Osaka believes the struggles she faced in 2024 were building her character, and although not everything went according to plan, she is proud with the tournaments she was able to win.
The now ranked 57th tennis star is hoping to keep her form and momentum during the Aukland Open and aims to carry it through to the second round when she faces Julia Grabher on Tuesday 31 December.
Osaka is also determined to go further in the competition which is set to conclude on 5 January 2025.
If she makes it to the final, she will face defending champion, Coco Gauff.
The matches are in preparation for the Australian Open, which will kick-off in Melbourne on 6th January.
