Jan 15, (V7N) - Naomi Osaka staged a determined comeback to defeat 20th seed Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-1, 6-3, advancing to the third round of the Australian Open for the first time since becoming a mother in 2023. The two-time Melbourne champion (2019, 2021) showed resilience after dropping the first set, turning the match around with powerful groundstrokes and mental toughness.

Osaka avenged her 2024 US Open loss to Muchova, calling this win her "little revenge." She secured a decisive break in the third set and sealed victory after nearly two hours on court. Osaka will face Switzerland's Belinda Bencic next for a spot in the last 16.

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