Naomi Osaka kicked off her 2025 season with a hard-fought 6-4 6-4 victory over qualifier Lina Glushko in the first round of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
This year’s ASB Classic holds special significance for Osaka. The last time she played this event was eight years ago, in 2017, as a rising teenager ranked just inside the Top 50. Back then, she reached the quarterfinals, defeating Venus Williams via walkover before losing to Ana Konjuh. Today, she returns as a seasoned player with four Grand Slam titles, 21 weeks as world No. 1, and a new role as a mother.
Facing Lina Glushko, a 24-year-old ranked No. 220, was no walk in the park. Despite the disparity in rankings and experience, Glushko pushed Osaka, showcasing the skills that had earned her two straight-sets wins in the qualifying rounds. Osaka had to dig deep, breaking Glushko only once in a tight first set and battling through windy conditions and protests outside the stadium that interrupted play.
Osaka’s powerful serve was the cornerstone of her game. She fired seven aces, won 77% of her first-serve points, and kept her average first-serve speed at an impressive 111 mph. Even during moments when unforced errors crept in, her serving consistency helped her regain control and ultimately secure the win. Her ability to stay composed and focus on one point at a time was key to navigating the match’s ups and downs.
For Glushko, this match was a valuable learning experience. Playing in only her fourth WTA main-draw match, the Israeli qualifier demonstrated grit and determination, pushing Osaka in extended rallies and briefly taking the lead in the second set. However, her lack of big-match weapons ultimately gave Osaka the edge.
Osaka’s next challenge will be against Julia Grabher, who advanced with a 2-6 6-3 7-6(7) win over Leyre Romero Gormaz. As Osaka continues to shake off the rust and build her form, fans will eagerly watch to see if she can reclaim her dominance on the tour with the help of new coach Patrick Mouratoglou. (photo: Jimmie48)
