Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, made a successful return to the court on Monday after a nearly three-month absence, winning her first-round match at the ASB Tennis Classic in Auckland. She defeated qualifier Lina Glushko 6-4, 6-4 in a closely contested match, marking her first appearance since October when a back injury ended her 2024 season at the China Open.
Osaka’s trademark game was on full display, with her powerful serve, strong groundstrokes—especially from the forehand—and aggressive play. She appeared at ease on the court, showing no signs of the injury that had sidelined her.
The match was interrupted by a swirling wind and protests outside the stadium. A small group of protesters could be heard chanting, which caused delays in the game. There was also a longer break when Glushko had to leave the court for treatment on a hip injury just as Osaka was about to serve for the first set.
“I just heard a lot of shouting, and then people on the sidelines told me there were protests,” Osaka explained.
“I didn’t really know what the score was for most of the match. I just focused on taking it one point at a time and tried not to get discouraged.”
“Thankfully, it worked out in my favor in the end,” Osaka said.
She was supported at courtside by her new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, who had previously worked closely with Serena Williams for many years.
Osaka broke Glushko in the third game of the first set and held serve easily to win it 6-4.
The second set was more competitive. Osaka broke Glushko in the third game, but Glushko managed to convert her only break point of the match to equalize at 2-2.
Glushko then held serve to love in the seventh game, taking a 4-3 lead. However, Osaka raised her level, serving two aces to level at 4-4, breaking Glushko again for a 5-4 lead, and then holding serve to love to secure the win.
Osaka’s serve was strong throughout the match. She hit seven aces and won 74% of her first serve points. Her first serve averaged about 180 km/h (111 mph), and her slice serve was around 140 km/h (87 mph).
“I think she’s an amazing opponent. I’ve never played her before,” Osaka reflected. “It was good to have to fight a little for the first round.”