Melbourne, January 20: Naomi Osaka started her Australian Open title defence with a straight-sets win over Marie Bouzkova on Monday (January 20).
Osaka was too strong for Bouzkova in a 6-2 6-4 win on Rod Laver Arena in the first meeting between the pair.
The Japanese star was the aggressor throughout and her ability to take her chances proved crucial against Czech Bouzkova.
Osaka, 22, has never lost in the opening round in Melbourne and the third seed will face Zheng Saisai next.
Like she never left 😀
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 20 January 2020
Osaka navigates Bouzkova 6-2 6-4 to kick off her title defence in impressive fashion.#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/qLzF90dtmN
The two-time grand slam champion was tested early before breaking in the fifth game of the first set.
The Japanese went on a run of five straight games to finish the first set, but Bouzkova found hope by taking a 4-2 lead in the second.
However, the 22-year-old stepped up again, breaking back and winning the last four games to advance.
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Naomi Osaka [3] bt Marie Bouzkova 6-2 6-4
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Osaka – 29/28
Bouzkova – 12/13
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Osaka – 7/2
Bouzkova – 1/3
BREAK POINTS WON
Osaka – 4/9
Bouzkova – 1/6
FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Osaka – 70
Bouzkova – 51
PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Osaka – 74/53
Bouzkova – 66/43
TOTAL POINTS
Osaka – 64
Bouzkova – 49
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