Australia Open: Naomi Osaka advances to second round, beats Camila Osorio

Naomi Osaka, the former world number one, came out on top in her first challenge in the Australia Open and extended her bid to defend the title. She won on the Rod Laver Arena with a tally of 6-3, 6-3.

Colombian player Camila Osorio gave a stiff challenge to Naomi Osaka in the opening game of the competition. The Japanese star player glided through the first set to a score of 5-0, however, Osario seemed to get back into the game and was able to counter almost every move on the court.

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The win on Monday afternoon has assured that Osaka will now advance to the second and will either face Madison Brengle or Dayana Yastremska.

Former world number 1 Osaka slid down the rankings last year after taking time out following her withdrawal at the French Open. She is 13th at the Australian Open, where she won last year and in 2019.

Osario, who is seeded at the 50th position across the globe made her main draw debut at Melbourne Park on Monday against Osaka. Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal has renewed his bid for a record 21st Grand Slam singles title with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over American Marcos Giron.

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After winning here last year, capturing her second Australian Open title in three years, the four-time major winner pulled out of the 2021 French Open before the second round, then sat out Wimbledon. She played at the Tokyo Olympics, where she lit the cauldron, but ended her 2021 season early after a third-round loss and a teary news conference at the US Open.

According to reports from Associated Press, two of her goals for 2022, she said last week, were to stay completely composed on the court and off, and to enjoy the game.