Naomi Osaka is through with her first round at the Australian Open, beating Antonia Ružić. The Japanese star, who showcased one of the most stunning outfits with her exoskeleton-inspired look at Rod Laver Arena, also revealed her mindset and tactical approach during her match.
Naomi Osaka on Her Mental Framework, Which Enabled Her To Seal the Win at Melbourne Park
The World No. 17 has commenced her 2026 season with the United Cup, debuting with Team Japan and then entering the first Grand Slam of the season. She skipped other tournaments, including Adelaide, Brisbane, and Hobart.
In her 2025 season, she last played at the Japan Women’s Open, withdrawing from the quarterfinals due to a left thigh injury. Now, the two-time Australian Open champion is spearheading her journey at Melbourne Park and has defeated Antonia Ružić, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, in 2 hours and 22 minutes.
Osaka took the first set, fell short in the second, and came back to take the third set. During her press conference following her win, she revealed her mental and tactical approach to her victory.
She expressed, “I mean, honestly, what was going in my head was that I thought my level was pretty good. And if she’s playing at a level that’s higher than mine the entire time, then she deserves to win. And obviously I don’t want that to happen. But if it does, then it’s out of my hands because I’m literally doing the best that I can. But, I tried to change it up a little.”
Osaka continued while highlighting her opponent’s positive areas and her execution, which she solidified with her serve, “I know she had a really good backhand. I tried to hit more to her forehand. I tried to be a little bit more solid and then kind of accelerate when I could. And then obviously my serve came in really clutch at the end.”
READ MORE: Naomi Osaka’s Dramatic Entrance: All About Her Nike Outfit, Veil, Umbrella at Australian Open
Apart from her performance, the former World No. 1 mesmerised the crowd with her self-designed Nike outfit, featuring inputs from London-based fashion designer Robert Wun. Her entrance dress was a jellyfish-inspired outfit with floral elements combined with athletic wear, featuring cloth butterflies, a nod to her 2021 Australian Open moment.
Osaka’s second-round opponent is former World No. 21, Sorana Cîrstea, who defeated Eva Lys in her first-round match. The only prior meeting between the two came in the qualifiers of Wimbledon 2015, with the Romanian winning 2-6, 6-1, 6-4
