Naomi Osaka won her first Wimbledon match in six years, defeating France’s Diane Parry 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 on Monday. The 26-year-old Japanese star, who entered as a wildcard, showed strong form in the first set but struggled in the second. Parry, ranked 53rd, took advantage of Osaka’s dip in concentration.
In the final set, both players traded breaks early on. Osaka saved break points in a crucial ninth game to lead 5-4. Parry then faltered, committing three double faults, allowing Osaka to secure the match.
Osaka, a former world number one and four-time Grand Slam champion, returned to the tour this year after a 15-month maternity leave. Her daughter, Shai, turns one on Tuesday.
“It felt really fun and really stressful at the same time,” Osaka said. She acknowledged her struggles on grass courts and is working on maintaining a positive mindset. She added, “It’s just really nice to win a match.”
Osaka will face American Emma Navarro in the second round. Meanwhile, British player Emma Raducanu also advanced, snapping a streak of first-round defeats for British players at Grand Slams by defeating Mexico’s Renata Zarazua 7-6(0), 6-3.
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