Naomi Osaka utilized a timely rain break to secure a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Austria’s Julia Grabher in the second round of the Auckland Classic on Wednesday, MySportDab Reports.
The win books the four-time Grand Slam champion a spot in Friday’s quarter-finals as she continues her preparations for the Australian Open.
The match was closely contested early on, with both players holding serve to 5-5 in the first set. A rain delay of over an hour allowed Osaka, 27, to reset and regroup with her coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
“I got some great advice from a great coach,” Osaka said post-match. “I just tried to focus on my bullet points and go out swinging. Thankfully, I’m here to play another round.”
The Japanese star returned from the break with renewed focus, breaking Grabher late in the first set and early in the second to seize control in cool, windy conditions.
Her powerful serving proved crucial, delivering five aces and winning more than 80% of her second-serve points.
Despite her victory, Osaka acknowledged her struggles with returning serve, particularly in the first set, and credited her opponent for a tough match.
“She was a really tough opponent to play against,” Osaka said. “I just felt I had to concentrate on myself and try not to be as nervous as I felt.”
Osaka has shown flashes of her former dominance since returning to the court last year following the birth of her daughter, Shai.
The former world number one, who rose to the top ranking in 2019 after winning her first Australian Open title, is confident in rediscovering her best form.
With the year’s first Grand Slam set to begin on January 12, Osaka will look to build momentum as she eyes a strong start to 2024.
