Naomi Osaka secured a clay victory for the first time in two years as the former No. 1 advanced in her opening match on Wednesday at the Madrid Masters.
The Japanese who only returned to the WTA at the start of the season after pregnancy, defeated Belgian lucky loser Greet Minnen 6-4, 6-1.
The 79-minute victory on the Spanish clay was the first on the surface for Osaka since 2022 here.
Both players had 19 winners, with Osaka profiting from 30 unforced errors from her opponent.
“I’m just really happy. I had a game plan and I was able to execute it,” the winner said.
“I have a tendency to get down on myself, especially when I feel I should’ve converted (break points) or done better.
“I was definitely telling myself to keep my head up and hopefully I’d have more opportunities. Movement-wise I’m feeling a lot more comfortable.”
Main photo:- Naomi Osaka winning in Madrid – by WTATennis.com
