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Naomi Osaka Returns On A Winning Note At ASB Classic 2025
Naomi Osaka defeated qualifier Lina Glushko 6-4, 6-4 in a heated contest in her first match since October when a back injury at the China Open compelled her to end her 2024 season.
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Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion made a return to the court after an almost three-month hiatus. She returned on a winning note in the first round of the ASB Classic in Auckland on Monday
Osaka defeated qualifier Lina Glushko 6-4, 6-4 in a heated contest in her first match since October when a back injury at the China Open compelled her to end her 2024 season.
The 27-year-old’s game was highlighted by powerful serve, forceful ground-strokes particularly from the forehand side and aggression. She looked relaxed and comfortable on court with no sign of her recent injury.
The Japanese was undeterred by the windy atmosphere on center court and with delays in play caused by the chants of a small group of protesters which were clearly audible within the stadium.
The protest was held against her Israeli opponent.
There was a longer break as Osaka geared up to serve out the first set when Glushko had to leave the court for treatment to a hip injury.
“I had no idea what the score was most of the time,” Osaka said. “I just kept trying to tell myself one point at a time and trying not to get discouraged.
“Thankfully it came out in my favor in the end.”
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Naomi Osaka was accompanied at courtside by her new coach Patrick Mouratoglou who previously had a long-term association with Serena Williams.
She broke Glushko in the third game of the first set and held comfortably to win 6-4 at the ASB Classic 2025.
The second set was tighter. Osaka broke Glushko in the third game but the Israeli converted her only break point of the match to level at 2-2.
Glushko held to love in the seventh game to lead 4-3 but Osaka seemed to step up at that point, held with two aces for 4-4, broke for 5-4 and held serve to love to clinch the win.
Her serve was on point throughout. She sent down seven aces and won 74 percent of first serve points. Her first serve averaged around 111mph and her slice around (87mph).
“I think she’s a really amazing opponent. I’ve never played her before,” Osaka said. “It was good to have to scrap a little for the first round.”
Also Read: Top 10 Highest-Paid Female Tennis Players in 2024
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