Australian Open 2020: Osaka begins title defence with straight-sets win
Defending champion Naomi Osaka came through her first-round clash at the Australian Open.
Naomi Osaka started her Australian Open title defence with a straight-sets win over Marie Bouzkova on Monday.
Osaka was too strong for Bouzkova in a 6-2 6-4 win on Rod Laver Arena in the first meeting between the pair.
The Japanese star was the aggressor throughout and her ability to take her chances proved crucial against Czech Bouzkova.
Osaka, 22, has never lost in the opening round in Melbourne and the third seed will face Zheng Saisai next.
Like she never left
Osaka navigates Bouzkova 6-2 6-4 to kick off her title defence in impressive fashion.#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/qLzF90dtmN
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2020
The two-time grand slam champion was tested early before breaking in the fifth game of the first set.
Osaka went on a run of five straight games to finish the first set, but Bouzkova found hope by taking a 4-2 lead in the second.
However, Osaka stepped up again, breaking back and winning the last four games to advance.
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Naomi Osaka [3] bt Marie Bouzkova 6-2 6-4
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Osaka – 29/28
Bouzkova – 12/13
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Osaka – 7/2
Bouzkova – 1/3
BREAK POINTS WON
Osaka – 4/9
Bouzkova – 1/6
FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Osaka – 70
Bouzkova – 51
PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Osaka – 74/53
Bouzkova – 66/43
TOTAL POINTS
Osaka – 64
Bouzkova – 49
