Naomi Osaka advanced to the third round of the French Open for the first time in seven years after defeating Donna Vekic 7-6(1), 6-4 at Roland Garros on Thursday.
The four time Grand Slam champion produced a composed display to overcome the Croatian and continue her run in Paris. Osaka recovered from an early break in the opening set before responding again when Vekic served for the set.
The Japanese player then dominated the tie break and maintained control during the second set before securing the decisive late break to close out the match against the world number 72.
Osaka, seeded 16th for the tournament, will now face American teenager Iva Jovic in the third round. Both players will be aiming to reach the last 16 at Roland Garros for the first time in their careers.
The result marks Osaka’s best run at the French Open since 2019 and continues her progress following her return to professional tennis in early 2024 after taking time away from the sport following the birth of her daughter.
Osaka’s run to the semi finals of the US Open last year remains her best Grand Slam performance since winning the Australian Open in 2021.
