Naomi Osaka made to work hard for first-round victory at Australian Open

The former world number one, and two-time Australian Open champion, came through a rollercoaster contest 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to underline her intent to build on a strong end to 2025.

Osaka entered the tournament aiming to carry forward that form - which included a WTA 1000 final appearance and a run to the US Open semi-final - as she looks to climb back towards the top of the rankings.

Osaka started briskly, racing into a 3-0 lead in the opening set with a single break of serve. However, the set soon became scrappy and closely contested. One game alone lasted almost 15 minutes, featuring nine deuces and four squandered Osaka break points.

Ruzic broke back to level at 3-3, with momentum swinging several times, but Osaka ultimately won three consecutive games for the third time in the set to seal it.

Ruzic, playing her first Australian Open and celebrating her 23rd birthday, raised her level in the second set. She surged into a 3-0 lead and maintained control despite a brief interruption at 5-2, when faulty net-cord lights incorrectly signalled balls as out and forced electricians to halt play. Ruzic saved two break points while serving for the set and levelled the match.

The deciding set remained tense. Osaka increased her aggression and vocal intensity, trading breaks with Ruzic before falling behind 4-3.

She responded immediately, breaking back, saving a break point with bold shot-making, and holding serve in a game lasting less than a minute. Osaka then closed out the match swiftly, securing a hard-earned opening-round win. 

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