Osaka withstands Ruzic in Australian Open opener

Naomi Osaka defeated Antonia Ruzic 6–3, 3–6, 6–4 to reach the Australian Open second round. The Japanese former champion recovered from a 4–3 deficit in the deciding set to complete the match in two hours and twenty-two minutes at Rod Laver Arena.

Ruzic, celebrating her twenty-third birthday, repeatedly absorbed Osaka’s power and counterattacked with early groundstrokes. She recovered from an opening 3–0 deficit, took the second set and briefly held a break in the third before Osaka won the final three games.

Osaka’s entrance also attracted attention through a jellyfish-inspired outfit that incorporated an umbrella, veil and butterfly details. Her on-court performance secured a meeting with Sorana Cirstea as she attempted another Melbourne run after winning the tournament in 2019 and 2021.