One of the great posters of the second round of the Australian Open pitted Naomi Osaka against Karolina Muchova.
The two players faced each other at the same stage of the competition at the US Open 2024 and the Czech won (6-3, 7-6).
Making progress and finalist in Auckland at the start of the season, the Japanese is confident and confirmed her renewed form by dominating Caroline Garcia in the first round (6-3, 3-6, 6-3).
On her way, it was Muchova, who for her part easily eliminated Nadia Podoroska (6-1, 6-1), who stood against her.
Despite a bad start to the match, Osaka, double winner in Melbourne, managed to turn the situation around.
With 33 winning shots, 4 breaks and 6 aces, the former world number 1 managed to take the game into her own hands before winning (1-6, 6-1, 6-3 in less than 2 hours of play) .
Osaka therefore took her revenge on Muchova compared to the last US Open and equalized with two victories everywhere in the direct confrontations.
“I had the feeling of giving everything on the court. Last year was quite difficult for me, I think I could have done better.
Being back on the courts and playing tennis in front of you is my year. I’m delighted to be able to play at least one more match here.
She beat me at the US Open even though I had my best outfit on! Obviously, she is one of the most formidable opponents you can face,” Osaka assured on court after her victory.
A new shock awaits her in the third round against the returning Belinda Bencic in a duel between mothers. The Swiss returned to a very good level quite quickly and triumphed against Suzan Lamens (6-1, 7-6).
