“I always expect nerves, the first match of the tournament or the first match of the season, and everyone feels that way, so it’s quite normal,” said Osaka. “It was pretty close, but I know first matches are always really tough and I’ve never played my opponent before, so I’m just glad to get it done in two.”
The wind, which Osaka also encountered during her last visit to Auckland in 2017, is part and parcel of an outdoor tournament and the world No 60 was pragmatic.
“It’s definitely a little difficult,” said Osaka. “Especially since you can’t predict which direction the wind is going but I feel like if I’m struggling with it, my opponent is too, so I can’t make any excuses.”
It meant Osaka couldn’t be as aggressive as she wanted – “I was trying to make her play one more ball versus going for the shots” – though she found her range towards the end of the second set, especially on the forehand side.
Osaka also played down the impact of the protests outside, which saw the match stopped momentarily in the first set, as Glushko discussed the situation with the umpire, who talked with the tournament supervisor before restarting play.
“I just heard a lot of shouting and then people on the sidelines were telling me there was a protest,” said Osaka.
Overall, Osaka was happy with her work – especially her serve and return – which bodes well for the rest of the week.
The 27-year-old also enjoyed the occasion, with a vocal crowd and some prominent Japanese support.
“I’m really grateful,” said Osaka. “It’s really cool there are so many people and I’m really glad [they] came out here and supported me.”
Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering Olympics, Fifa World Cups and America’s Cup campaigns.
