Naomi Osaka overpowers Camila Osorio to reach second round in Australian Open in Melbourne

ByJames Kilpatrick

Updated 17/01/2022 at 05:46 GMT

Naomi Osaka has never lost in the opening round of the Australian Open and that continues in 2022 as the defending champion gets her title defence underway by comfortably overcoming her Colombian opponent Camila Osorio in straight sets on Rod Laver Arena. Stream the Australian Open live and on demand on discovery+.

Naomi Osaka progresses to the second round of the Australian Open after comfortably beating Camila Osorio 6-3 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena.

The defending champion wasted little time in dispatching her Colombian opponent, who was making her main draw debut in Melbourne, wrapping up the contest in 68 minutes.

Osaka believes she put in a good performance despite not knowing much about Osorio going into the match.

WTA Madrid

Osaka 'taking a lot of inspiration' from clay experts as she seeks first title on surface

10 hours ago

"It always feels special for me to come back here," the two-time Australian Open winner said. "I played the warm-up tournament before the Grand Slam and I have a lot of really good memories here. It feels really nice to start the year in this tournament.

"I think I played really well in the circumstances. I didn't really have any information on my opponent but I thought she played amazingly. She was fighting for every point and I think that was a really good quality. I'm sure we're going to see her on this court pretty frequently. Overall I'm just really happy to be here.

"I really like hot conditions but I feel like every time I come here everyone is warm and welcoming. The crowd are all really nice so I'm sure that has an effect on me."

Osaka's powerful forehand proved too much for Osorio in the opening stages and the Japanese star reeled off the first five games to get off to an explosive start.

Osorio fought back to win the next three games, but Osaka was able to secure the set in 31 minutes, hitting 12 winners in total.

'That is easily done!' - Osaka laughs after misreading smash

The opening games of the second set were more closely fought, but 16 minutes in and Osaka went a break up to make it 2-1 after Osorio blasted a forehand into the trams.

Osaka was able to successfully defend her service games and was untroubled en route to her ninth Australian Open second round.

'Sorry, sorry, sorry!' - Osaka almost strikes umpire with vicious return

- - -

Stream the 2022 Australian Open live and on demand on discovery+. A subscription for discovery+ is now £29.99 for the first year for UK users, down from £59.99.

Billie Jean King Cup

Osaka aiming for Paris Olympics after helping Japan reach Billie Jean King finals

13/04/2024 at 20:01

Billie Jean King Cup

Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers: Which top stars are playing?

11/04/2024 at 11:13

WTA Miami

Garcia dumps Osaka out of Miami Open to set up last-16 tie against Gauff

25/03/2024 at 07:00