Osaka takes revenge on Muchova and continues her Australian Open journey

One of the great matches of the second round of the Australian Open pitted Naomi Osaka against Karolina Muchova.

The two players had met at the same stage of the competition at the US Open 2024, with the Czech winning (6-3, 7-6).

The improving Japanese, who was a finalist in Auckland at the start of the season, confirmed her renewed form by overcoming Caroline Garcia in the first round (6-3, 3-6, 6-3).

On her way to the final was Muchova, who for her part easily eliminated Nadia Podoroska (6-1, 6-1).

Despite a poor start to the match, Osaka, a two-time winner in Melbourne, managed to turn things around.

With 33 winners, 4 breaks and 6 aces, the former world No.1 managed to take the match in her stride before winning (1-6, 6-1, 6-3 in less than 2 hours).

Osaka thus took her revenge on Muchova from the last US Open and levelled the score at two wins apiece in direct confrontations.

"I felt like I gave everything I had on the court. Last year was quite difficult for me, and I think I could have done better.

Being back on the courts and playing tennis in front of you is my whole year. I'm delighted to be able to play at least one more match here.

She beat me at the US Open in my best outfit! Of course, she's one of the most formidable opponents you can face," said Osaka on the court after her victory.

A new clash awaits her in the third round against Belinda Bencic in a duel between mothers. The Swiss player is back to her best quite quickly and triumphed over Suzan Lamens (6-1, 7-6).