Japan’s Naomi Osaka celebrates a point during her victory over Ons Jabeur of Tunisia at the National Bank Open in Toronto on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
11:27 JST, August 8, 2024
TORONTO (AP) — Japan’s Naomi Osaka defeated another top player on her return from maternity leave on Wednesday, beating ninth-seeded Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 6-3, 6-1 at the National Bank Open.
Osaka, a former world No. 1 player, defeated a top 20 player for the fifth time on her return.
Everyone knows I really like hard court. I didn’t think about it too much. It was very instinctive, said Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner. “Honestly, when I play against the best players, like Us, I usually play better.”
Osaka will face Belgian Elise Mertens in the second round. Mertens defeated American Katie Volynets 6-3, 6-1.
Japan’s Naomi Osaka takes a selfie with fans after her win over Ons Jabeur of Tunisia at the National Bank Open in Toronto on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
Paul Badosa, a former second-seeded player making a comeback from a back injury, followed her Washington title with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Denmark’s Clara Tauson on Sunday. The Spanish star will face fourth-seeded Jelena Ostapenko in the second round.
In the evening, 15th-seeded Canadian Leylah Fernandez defeated Japanese Nao Hibino 6-3, 5-7, 6-1.
In the final match, third-seeded defending champion Jessica Pegula of the United States took on Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic in the second round.
Marina Stakusic, a 19-year-old from nearby Mississauga, defeated Russia’s Erika Andreeva 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4 in her first appearance in the main draw of the event.
