AUCKLAND, Jan 1, (V7N) - Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka demonstrated resilience and composure to secure a 7-5, 6-3 victory over unseeded Austrian Julia Grabher in the second round of the Auckland Classic on Wednesday.

The win propels the 27-year-old Japanese star into Friday's quarterfinals of the Australian Open warm-up tournament, marking another step in her quest for a strong return to form ahead of the season's first Grand Slam on January 12.

Match Overview

The match saw a tense first set, with both players holding serve until 5-5. A rain delay of over an hour then gave Osaka an opportunity to regroup.

During the break, Osaka consulted her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, the renowned mentor who previously guided Serena Williams.

"I got some great advice from a great coach," Osaka said post-match. "I just tried to focus on my bullet points and go out swinging if I had to go out, but thankfully I'm here to play another round."

Osaka returned to the court reinvigorated, breaking Grabher late in the first set and then early in the second to gain control of the match. Despite challenging windy conditions, her powerful serve remained a crucial asset, landing five aces and winning over 80% of her points on second serves.

Challenges and Reflections

While Osaka avoided being broken throughout the match, she struggled with her return game in the first set, a challenge she attributed to nerves.

"She was a really tough opponent to play against," Osaka acknowledged. "I just felt I had to concentrate on myself a lot and try not to be as nervous as I felt."

Aiming for Consistency

Osaka’s journey back to competitive tennis has been a story of determination. After giving birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023, Osaka has worked to regain the form that saw her rise to world number one in 2019.

The Auckland Classic serves as a key part of her preparation for the Australian Open, a tournament she has won twice and where she aims to reignite her career at the highest level.

Fans will be watching closely as Osaka takes the next step in her comeback journey, hoping her progress in Auckland signals a return to her championship-winning form.

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