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.
Naomi Osaka shines in Canadian Open
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.