ASB Classic: Naomi Osaka makes positive start in Auckland despite unexpected challenges in first-round match

Naomi Osaka in action at the ASB Classic. Photo / Dean Purcell

Naomi Osaka was pleased to get through her first match in Auckland – and showed enough to indicate there could be a lot more to come.

Facing Israeli qualifier Lina Glushko on Monday, it was a trickier-than-expected assignment for the four-time major winner, in her first competitive match since late September.

Besides early-season nerves, the Japanese star had to deal with an unpredictable, swirling wind and the constant noise from a group of pro-Palestine protesters outside the Manuka Doctor arena who were objecting to the presence of the Israeli in the tournament.

But Osaka handled the occasion well, improving as the match went on to bank a solid 6-4, 6-4 victory in 85 minutes.

“I always expect nerves, the first match of the tournament or the first match of the season, and everyone feels that way, so it’s quite normal,” she said. “It was pretty close, but I know first matches are always really tough and I’ve never played my opponent before, so I’m just glad to get it done in two.”

The wind, which Osaka also encountered during her last visit to Auckland in 2017, is part and parcel of an outdoor tournament and the world No 60 was pragmatic.

“It’s definitely a little difficult,” she said. “Especially since you can’t predict which direction the wind is going, but I feel like if I’m struggling with it, my opponent is too, so I can’t make any excuses.”

It meant Osaka couldn’t be as aggressive as she wanted – “I was trying to make her play one more ball versus going for the shots” – though she found her range towards the end of the second set, especially on the forehand side.

Osaka also played down the impact of the protests outside that stopped the match momentarily in the first set, as Glushko discussed the situation with the umpire, who talked with the tournament supervisor before restarting play.

“I just heard a lot of shouting and then people on the sidelines were telling me there was a protest,” said Osaka.

Overall, she was happy with her work – especially her serve and return – and bodes well for the rest of the week.

The 27-year-old also enjoyed the occasion, with a vocal crowd and some prominent Japanese support.

“I’m really grateful,” Osaka said. “It’s really cool there are so many people and I’m really glad [they] came out here and supported me.”

Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering Olympics, Fifa World Cups and America’s Cup campaigns.