ASB Classic 2025: Naomi Osaka kicks off with a hard-fought victory over Glushko

The 4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka earned a hard-fought victory over Lina Glushko, 6-4, 6-4, at the ASB Classic, kicking off her 2025 season on the right foot. Glushko, a little-known player on the Tour, has never broken into the top 200 and was making just her second main draw appearance at the WTA level.

Glushko, an Israeli player currently ranked world No. 220, displayed an interesting game with an effective serve, but was hampered by frequent unforced errors. At times, the Israeli managed to challenge Osaka, particularly when the Japanese star struggled with her own mistakes.

Osaka withstands challenges and winds to edge out Glushko

Osaka was the first to gain the upper hand, securing an early break in the third game. Despite only landing 48% of her first serves, her effectiveness on those serves (85%) and her second serves (64%) allowed her to hold serve without difficulty.

Read also

Tournament Centre Women's ASB Classic 2025: Schedule, results, Prize Money and TV Guide

There wasn’t much danger on either side for the rest of the set. Osaka held onto her serve and stayed out of trouble. At 5-4 in her favour and just before serving for the set, Glushko requested a medical time-out, which was handled off the court. Upon her return, Osaka remained composed and closed out the set 6-4 after 39 minutes.

The second set started with breaks on both sides, keeping the score level. At 2-2, the increasing wind on the court became apparent, causing difficulties for both players. Glushko struggled to land her serves, while Osaka lost control of the ball during returns.

Read also

Daily Dose of Social Media: Sabalenka hilariously calls out her coach in viral trend, family time for Rafael Nadal

However, the Japanese star quickly regained control of the match. Once Osaka adjusted to the conditions, she overpowered her opponent with her forehand and backhand. In an uneven set for both players, Osaka broke serve in the ninth game.

A peculiar situation occurred just before the match ended, as sounds of bat strikes from another court began to play over the speakers, disrupting play on Centre Court. After a brief pause, the match resumed, and as in the first set, the former world No. 1 remained focused and secured her 6-4, 6-4 victory.