"She doesn't want advice from me, I promise" - Naomi Osaka on if she's spoken to AO third round opponent and fellow mother Belinda Bencic

Former World No.1 Naomi Osaka booked her spot in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open, where she'll face Swiss star Belinda Bencic in what should be a battle between WTA moms.

After losing the first set in her second round clash against Karolina Muchova, Osaka rediscovered her form to claim the final two sets, advancing with a 1-6 6-1 6-3 victory. This will be Osaka's first appearance in the third round of a Grand Slam after giving birth to her daughter Shai in 2023.

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The former World No.4 took some time off to give birth to her first child, Bella, in April last year. Bencic is competing in her first Major since her return from maternity leave, upsetting World No.16 Jelena Ostapenko on the first round before defeating Dutch player Suzan Lamens in the second round.

When asked if she had spoken to her fellow mom-athlete in Melbourne, Osaka revealed they had not crossed paths but was looking forward to sharing the court with her Swiss opponent in the third round.

"Oh she doesn't want advice from me, I promise," joked Osaka. "No, I haven't really bumped into her. It's weird, when you're at a Slam you don't really see people when you expect them but I guess I'll see her on the other side of the court."

Bencic holds a 3-2 lead over Osaka in career meetings. However, the Japanese superstar emerged victorious in their most recent meeting, a three-set encounter at the 2022 Miami Open.

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