Naomi Osaka storms over Alize Cornet at Gippsland Trophy

Competing for the first time since lifting the third Major title at the US Open last September, world no. 3 Naomi Osaka toppled Alize Cornet at the Gippsland Trophy in Melbourne.

The Japanese scored a 6-2, 6-2 win in an hour and 11 minutes, firing six aces and saving both break points to challenge the rival all the time. Unable to produce those numbers behind the initial shot, Cornet suffered four breaks from as many chances offered to Osaka, getting broken twice in each set to finish her journey in the second round.

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Naomi made a strong start and grabbed two breaks for a 4-0 advantage, closing the opening set with a hold at 5-2 in just over half an hour. The French player gave serve away in the second set's third game following a deep return from Osaka, who held with a service winner to open a 3-1 gap.

Naomi forced Alize's forehand error in game five to earn another break and moved over the top at 5-2 with a powerful smash that Cornet couldn't control.

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