Naomi Osaka announced her Grand Slam return with a 6-4, 6-1 win against 87th-ranked Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic at the US Open. The Japan tennis star had taken a break to focus on her mental health. After a sluggish start, Osaka went on to win eight of the last nine games in the first round at US Open.

She had last featured in a Grand Slam in May, when she had withdrawn from the French Open after her first-round match. That day, Osaka skipped her mandatory news conference after her first-round victory in Paris, drawing a $15,000 fine and a warning from the heads of the Slams that she could face a suspension. She responded by pulling out of Roland Garros, explaining that she feels anxiety when speaking to the media and has dealt with depression for years. Osaka then sat out Wimbledon, too.

On Monday, Osaka brought her A-game to the court and scored 34 winners against her opponent’s 10. Osaka also saved all eight brreak points she faced. The booming serve was back and she consistently hit the 120 mph mark.

The reigning US Open champion also received the support from thousands of fans during her match at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“It feels kind of crazy to play in front of everyone again. I just want to say thank you for coming out here. Last year, when we didn’t have a crowd, I know it felt quite lonely for me,” she said after the match.

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Osaka is chasing history, looking to become the first female player to win consecutive US Open trophies since Serena Williams won her third championship in a row in 2014.

As play began, Osaka was a tad tentative, allowing Bouzkova to keep things close for a while. But from 4-all in the first set, everything began to go Osaka’s way.

She had fewer break chances overall — just six — but managed to convert half of them, and her serve and quick-strike forehand did the rest.

Osaka will next face 145th-ranked Olga Danilovic in the second round.

(With AP inputs)