Naomi Osaka has won back-to-back matches at the Australian Open for the first time in three years to move into the last 32 of the tournament.
The two-time champion overcame a first-set thrashing to beat 20th seed Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-1, 6-3, in the second round on Wednesday. Osaka’s win comes during what has been a solid start to the season which began with her winning her first title as a mother at the ASB Classic in Auckland. She is now on a seven-match winning streak (including retirements).
Osaka’s victory is sweet revenge for the former world No.1, who was beaten by Muchova at last year’s US Open. Their head-to-head is now tied at 2-2.
“I think matches like these are really difficult because we both know that we’re really good players. I knew she was going to come out strong. She can’t afford not to. I also tried to come out strong, but clearly she came out better than me in the first set,” Osaka said.
“I did think about the US Open match. After I lost that match, I often thought about what I could do better. I tried to apply that here and it worked out.
“I feel like that’s the great thing about tennis: you can constantly adjust things and try to figure out different things to beat your opponent.”
Currently ranked 51st in the world, the 27-year-old is relishing showdowns with big names in the sport and is using it as extra motivation. World No.20 Muchova is the highest-ranked player she has faced so far this season. The last top 10 player she played was Coco Gauff at the China Open three months ago when she won the first set before having to retire after dropping the second due to injury.
“I love playing the big opponents. I think that’s where I play my best tennis,” she said.
“Honestly for me, if I play better and better opponents as the rounds go on, I think it’s more interesting because I feel like it’s like the clash of two Titans almost.
“I think the fans probably appreciate it, and I also appreciate it as a player.”
Former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic will be the next person Osaka faces at Melbourne Park. The Swiss player, who is playing in her first Grand Slam since becoming a mother, has already beaten Jelena Ostapenko and Suzan Lamens in straight sets.
Osaka trails their head-to-head 2-3 but the last time they face each other on the Tour was back in 2022 at the Miami Open.
“It’s going to be a fun match,” said Bencic. “I think she beat me last time, but I have a good record against her.
“But it doesn’t really mean anything anymore. I feel good about playing her. I think it’s going to be a nice match. Hopefully on a big court.”
Should Osaka win, it will be her best run at a Grand Slam event since the 2021 US Open.