Naomi Osaka credits rising tennis star Nishesh Basavareddy for first round Australian Open victory

Two-time champion Naomi Osaka secured her spot in the second round of the 2025 Australian Open, and the Japanese superstar revealed she was inspired by an unfamiliar source to propel through to victory.

The former World No.1 faced familiar foe Caroline Garcia in the first round of the event. Osaka had battled the Frenchwoman at last year's edition of the event, with Garcia prevailing in 2024. However, Osaka was able to turn the tides, recording a 6-3 3-6 6-3 victory to advance to the next round.

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Osaka reveals inspiration for big win

Slated for the second match on Rod Laver during the night session, Osaka took to the court after ten-time champion Novak Djokovic had completed his win against rising American star Nishesh Basaraveddy. Although Osaka stated her admiration for Djokovic, she admitted it was his opponent who had inspired her to victory.

"In the third set I definitely wanted to be really focused," began Osaka. "Honestly, I was inspired by, though it was a little long, the Djokovic match before me. I was really impressed by, I’m going to butcher his name, but the kid that Djokovic played. I thought it was really cool how focused he was. Even though he cramped, he was still intent on playing the match.
“On Djokovic’s side, it was so cool how he’s so determined to win all the time. I saw him screaming, C’mon. Yeah, I try to focus a lot like that, as well."

The former World No.1 will take on Czech star Karolina Muchova in the second round.

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