“Why do people mistake me for Naomi Osaka?": Australian star questions after first Grand Slam win

The world No. 195 player, Destanee Aiava, claimed that she is constantly mistaken for her fellow 4-time Grand Slam champion, Naomi Osaka, while at the Australian Open. The Australian player overcame the tournament's qualifying rounds and passed the first round by defeating Greet Minnen in a third-set tie-break (5-7, 7-5, 7-6).

The 24-year-old took to social media to comment on her issue. “Why are people commenting and mistaking me for Naomi Osaka (I love her, don’t come for me) like I’m genuinely confused why multiple people are getting me mixed up with her ??????????” she wrote on Instagram.

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Aiava is still an unknown on the WTA Tour, with her best ranking at No. 147 and only a handful of appearances at Tour-level tournaments. She has had first-round appearances at the Australian Open, thanks to wildcards, but this time—after overcoming qualifying—she achieved her first main draw Grand Slam victory.

In the second round, she will face the 11th seed, Danielle Collins, a tough challenge for the local player. The American former AO finalist defeated Daria Snigur in straight sets, and although she showed some service issues, she managed to secure the win without major surprises.

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