Rome: Naomi Osaka made her first return to the Rome Open since 2021 with a straight sets victory over Clara Burel in the first round on Wednesday.
Former world number one Osaka beat her 45th-ranked French opponent 7-6 (7/2), 6-1.
It was the 26-year-old’s first win against a top 50 opponent on clay since beating Victoria Azarenka at the 2019 French Open.
After taking time off from traveling to have her first child, Osaka, ranked 173 in the world, will face 19th seed Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine for a place in the third round.
Kostyuk, who ran on clay in Stuttgart last month, lost in three sets to Osaka in her previous singles match to qualify for the 2020 US Open.
The Japanese star sealed victory in 84 minutes on Wednesday, finishing with 27 winners, including eight aces, and serving four times.
“I thought the first set was really tough. I’m very happy that I was able to close it in two sets,” Osaka said after winning her second European Open this spring.
“In general, I think I try to be as strong as I can, so I’m very happy.”
He added: “I went 5-3, served for the set and lost (the match). But just hanging in there and finally being able to close out on my terms is something I’m proud of.
“I played well in the second set. When I play my match tomorrow, I hope to learn from my mistakes today.”
