Naomi osaka
US Open: Osaka survives Zakharova scare, enters Rd 2 Image Source: IANS
US Open: Osaka Survives Zakharova Scare, Enters Rd 2
Arthur Ashe Stadium: Naomi Osaka began her bid for a third US Open crown with a straight-sets victory over Anastasia Zakharova on Arthur Ashe Stadium, but the former world No. 1 was pushed into two deciding tiebreaks before sealing her place in the second round.
Osaka, the 2018 and 2020 champion, appeared in control in both sets after opening up leads, moving 5-2 ahead in the first and 5-3 in the second. Zakharova, ranked 101st on the WTA Tour, refused to fade and levelled on both occasions to force tiebreaks.
The Japanese star eventually held her nerve, taking the opening breaker 8-6 after saving the momentum swings and then claiming the second 7-3 to finish the match in a little over two hours.
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