Naomi Osaka’s strong return: Dispatches Ons Jabeur in Canadian Open first round

Naomi Osaka (No. 95) defeated Ons Jabeur (No. 16) 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the Canadian Open. The former world No. 1 left behind the disappointment of Paris 2024, where she was defeated in the first round by Angelique Kerber (7-5, 6-3).

The Japanese player secured a win at the Canadian Open for the first time since 2019, a year in which she reached the quarterfinals. Osaka, who entered the tournament thanks to a wildcard from the organizers, will face Belgian Elise Mertens, who easily won her debut match against Katie Volynets.

The first set quickly tilted in Osaka's favor as she secured an early break and, with solid service games, took a 3-0 lead. Both players struggled to find consistency with their first serves (Osaka 44%, Jabeur 41%), but the Japanese player was more effective in capitalizing on her opponent's second serve.

With the score at 5-2 in Osaka's favor, she had another break opportunity that would have given her the set, but Jabeur managed to hold her serve. Nevertheless, the Tunisian could not threaten her rival's serve, and Osaka clinched the set 6-3, having won 56% of the points played.

In the second set, Jabeur continued to struggle with her first serve (just 35%), while the 4-time Grand Slam champion found greater consistency when serving. Despite a balanced start, Osaka began to dominate the match, converting three out of the next four break points and secured the victory 6-1 after winning five consecutive games.

In the second round, Osaka will face Elise Mertens (No. 35), who comes off a straight-sets victory over American Katie Volynets (No. 57). Additionally, Osaka is solidifying her position within the top 100, having guaranteed at least the world No. 88 spot in the next WTA ranking update.