Naomi Osaka has kicked-off her title defence at the BNP Paribas Open with a straight sets win over France’s Kristina Mladenovic.
World No.1 Osaka, who lost to Mladenovic in Dubai last month, made sure that history wouldn’t repeat itself once more. Securing a 82-minute 6-3, 6-4, victory with a mixed performance that saw her hit 24 winners alongside 24 unforced errors. Furthermore, she saved three out of the four break points faced and claimed 67% of points behind her first serve. Making it the 61st match in a row that Osaka has won after claiming the opening set.
“I just learned to be really positive and not give her anything.” Osaka reflected about her latest win. “Of course there are some points that I made a few really bad choices, but other than that, I just tried to do a higher percentage shot.”
A lot has changed since the 21-year-old claimed her maiden WTA title in Indian Wells 12 months ago. Since then, she has won two consecutive grand slams and topped the WTA rankings. Becoming the first Asian player in history to do so. Along with her breakthrough run, has been a sudden rise of fame for the Japanese player with a surge in endorsements and media attention. Something that hasn’t been easy for the introverted Osaka at times.
“I wasn’t nervous walking onto the court. I would say more during my practice, because I was practising on Court 3. And then when I got there, there were so many people and it felt so different from last time I was here.” She said.
“I don’t know. I just wanted to do well for all the people that were watching. Yeah, but when I walked onto the court, I was fine. It felt like normal.”
Even away from the tennis courts, Osaka is still star struck by her popularity. According to official ratings, her Australian Open final clash with Petra Kvitova was the most watched program in Japan during the Australian Open. The last 75 minutes of the match on NHK-1 averaged 32.30 rating points. Equivalent to an impressive 45% market share.
“I don’t want to call them random people, but random people stop me and want to take pictures. It usually shocks me, because it’s sometimes not when I’m anticipating it.” She explained.
“Like, if I’m at the tournament site, then I’m cool with it, because I know it’s a tennis tournament. But, if I’m just walking around in, like, a mall or something, then it just catches me off-guard.”
Osaka will play home favourite Danielle Collins in the third round on Monday. 25th seeded Collins reached the fourth round of the tournament last year and is an Australian Open semi-finalist. The American dropped only five games during her opening match against Kirsten Flipkens, winning 6-4, 6-1.
“I know she played well in Australia, and I was remembering watching her semis against Kvitova. I think I’m just going to have to watch a lot of videos.” The world No.1 said about her upcoming match.
Osaka thrashed Collins 6-1, 6-0, in their first meeting on the tour at the China Open last October.
