Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, began her 2025 season with a solid performance, defeating Julia Grabher 7-5, 6-3 on Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Auckland Tennis Classic.
Despite facing a strong breeze and a lengthy rain delay, Osaka managed to progress smoothly past the second round. Although the wind made her ball toss challenging at times, she maintained a strong service game, not dropping her serve throughout the match. Osaka broke Grabher once in each set, securing her place in the Auckland quarterfinals for the second time, having also reached this stage in 2017 during her only previous appearance in New Zealand.
Osaka acknowledged that Grabher was a tough opponent, and she had to remain focused and manage her nerves. “I had to concentrate on myself a lot,” Osaka explained. She also credited her new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, for offering valuable advice. Mouratoglou, known for his long-time coaching relationship with Serena Williams, has recently joined Osaka’s team. “I just tried to stick to my main strategies and go out swinging if necessary. But fortunately, I’m here for another round,” she said.
Osaka showed no signs of the back injury that had cut her 2024 season short at the China Open in October. She moved confidently around the court, rarely approaching the net but doing so effectively when she did. Her powerful shots, particularly from the forehand side, were a key feature of her performance.
Osaka’s first serve was a major strength, allowing her to win 80% of the points when she got it in play.
The opening set was close, with no breaks of serve until the 12th game. After a rain delay, which occurred when Osaka was leading 40-15 in the previous game, she returned to the court with renewed focus. She held serve and then broke her opponent, Austria’s Grabher, to secure the first set.
In the second set, Osaka held serve to love in two of her first three service games. She then broke Grabher in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead. Osaka continued to hold serve with ease, ultimately sealing the match on her first match point.
The Auckland tournament serves as preparation for the Australian Open, which starts on January 12. However, the event lost some of its star power on Tuesday when former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu withdrew due to a back injury. Elise Mertens also pulled out due to injury, leaving Osaka with a clearer path in the draw.