Images from Day 1 of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Monday.
IMAGE: Naomi Osaka celebrates a point during her first round match against Camila Osorio of Colombia during day one of the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Monday. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Defending champion Naomi Osaka overcame an unexpectedly stiff challenge from Colombian Camila Osorio to reach the second round of the Australian Open 6-3, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena on Monday.
The Japanese former world number one looked all business as she raced to a 5-0 lead in the opening set but a first hold of serve invigorated Osorio, who then started chasing down everything Osaka threw at her.
IMAGE: Naomi Osaka serves during her first round match. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Osaka needed to save two break points to hold serve for the first set and faced two more in the second stanza before overpowering the inexperienced world number 50 with her aggressive shots from the baseline.
“It always feels special to come back here,” said the 13th seed, who will next face Dayana Yastremska or Madison Brengle as she seeks her third Melbourne Park title.
“I thought she played amazing. Overall I’m just happy to be here, I’m happy to see everybody in the audience and I hope we gave you a great performance.”
