By Daily Sports on January 17, 2022

Defending champion Naomi Osaka began her Australian Open campaign with a smooth victory over young Colombian Camila Osorio, while world No 1 Ashleigh Barty almost made the perfect start in Melbourne for a second year in a row.

Having taken four months off at the end of last season, Osaka returned to the match court two weeks ago and has hit the ground running in Melbourne, winning 6-3 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena.

The 13th seed raced into a 5-0 lead against 20-year-old Osorio, who was making her Australian Open debut, before being pegged back to 5-3.

Osaka stopped the rot, though, to take the opening set and kept her nose in front through the second to clinch victory.

"It always feels special to come back here," said Osaka, who is seeking her third Melbourne Park title.

"I thought she played amazing. Overall I'm just happy to be here, I'm happy to see everybody in the audience and I hope we gave you a great performance." (Sky Sports)

•PHOTO: Osaka

Source Daily Sports

Posted January 17, 2022

Argentina 2023: Hosts can’t intimidate Flying Eagles, boasts...

I’m coming for heads, warns returning Adesanya

Chelsea Face Race against Time to Meet Deadline...

Chapecoense accept Barcelona friendly invitation

Nigeria up to 50th in world in latest...

Eagles strikers must be clinical – Esin