NEW YORK – Japan’s former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka cruised into the second round of the U.S. Open with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Belgium’s Greet Minnen on Tuesday.
The winner of four Grand Slams, including two at Flushing Meadows, sent down seven aces and did not commit a double fault on her way to wrapping up the contest in 83 minutes.
No. 23 seed Osaka took some time to get going and was deadlocked at 3-all with Minnen before winning three straight games to close out the first set.
Osaka was clinical with her break point opportunities, converting six out of six, including one to win the match.
The 27-year-old, who entered the court in a sparkling outfit she designed in conjunction with Nike, matched with a glittering floral hair accessory, said her serve had been the most pleasing part of her performance.
“I think (my serve) was there when I needed it to be, and I feel like having a good serve puts pressure on the other person to also serve well,” she said.
In men’s singles, Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki defeated France’s Hugo Gaston 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
AloJapan.com