Returning after a mental health break, Osaka put together a 6-4, 6-1 victory Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic.
Naomi Osaka is back in Grand Slam action after a mental health break. Back to playing quite well, too.
After a tight start to her first-round U.S. Open match on Monday night, the reigning champion grabbed eight of the last nine games and put together a 6-4, 6-1 victory over 87th-ranked Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic.
Helped by a serve that reached 120 mph, Osaka saved all eight break points she faced and accumulated a 34-10 edge in total winners. She hadn’t played at one of her sport’s four major tournaments since May 30 at the French Open.
That day, Osaka skipped her mandatory news conference after her first-round victory in Paris, drawing a $15,000 fine and a warning from the heads of the Slams that she could face a suspension. She responded by pulling out of Roland Garros, explaining that she feels anxiety when speaking to the media and has dealt with…