Australian Open 2026: Naomi Osaka Scrapes Through First Round After Fashion Statement
Walking onto one of the biggest stages in tennis wearing a wide-brim hat, a veil and holding a white parasol, Naomi Osaka booked her spot in the second round of the Australian Open after a testing win over Antonia Ruzic. Osaka won 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in two hours and 24 minutes on Rod Laver Arena and will face Sorana Cirstea, who defeated last year’s lucky loser fourth-rounder Eva Lys, in the next round. Osaka has won four Grand Slam singles titles, including two at the U.S. Open and two in Australia in 2019 and 2021.
Naomi Osaka of Japan waves after defeating Antonia Ruzic of Croatia in her first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Naomi Osaka of Japan is congratulated by Antonia Ruzic of Croatia following their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Naomi Osaka of Japan plays a backhand return to Antonia Ruzic of Croatia during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Antonia Ruzic of Croatia plays a forehand return to Naomi Osaka of Japan during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo; AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Naomi Osaka of Japan plays a forehand return to Antonia Ruzic of Croatia during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Antonia Ruzic of Croatia plays a forehand return to Naomi Osaka of Japan during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts during her first round match against Antonia Ruzic of Croatia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Naomi Osaka of Japan plays a forehand return to Antonia Ruzic of Croatia during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Naomi Osaka of Japan walks onto Rod Laver Arena for her first round match against Antonia Ruzic of Croatia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake