US Open: Naomi Osaka beats Marie Bouzkova in first round, Olga Danilovic next up
- World No 3 beats Czech world No 87 in straight sets on grand slam return after pulling out of French Open and sitting out Wimbledon
- Serbia’s Olga Danilovic awaits in the second round in New York as champion says it’s ‘kind of crazy’ to see fans back
The 23-year-old took a commanding 3-0 lead in the second set against the world No 87, appearing to step up a gear from the opening set before powering through to a 6-1 second set win.
Victory marked Osaka’s 15th hardcourt win in a row at a hardcourt grand slam including the last Australian Open and last year’s US Open.
Osaka said that she felt “really comfortable” being back on court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, though it was “kind of crazy” that fans were back after last year’s tournament was played out behind closed doors.
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“Last year when we didn‘t have a crowd I know it felt quite lonely for me,” Osaka said.
“I‘m just really glad to see little kids in the audience and of course grown-ups too. To be playing the first night match is something I’ve never done before so I’m just glad I won.”
Osaka moves on to the second round where she will face Olga Danilovic of Serbia. World No 145 Danilovic beat Alycia Parks in their first round match, winning 6-3, 7-5.
China’s sole representative in the singles, Zhang Shuai, plays on Tuesday morning (US time) along with Wimbledon breakout star Emma Raducanu.