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In her first competitive match since winning
the U.S. Open in September, the 23-year-old Japanese player sent
down six aces and converted all four of her breakpoints to seal
victory in 71 minutes.
"I always feel nice here in Australia, I feel like everyone
welcomes me," said Osaka, who won the Australian Open in 2019.
"I'm really glad that you guys opened your arms and we're able
to play here."
Osaka next faces Briton Katie Boulter, who battled back to knock
out American teenager Coco Gauff 3-6 7-5 6-2.
World No.7 Aryna Sabalenka's 15-match winning streak came to an
end when she lost 6-1 2-6 6-1 to Estonia's Kaia Kanepi.
"When I play well and aggressive, I think it's tough for anybody
to beat me," Kanepi, who faces Daria Kasatkina in the next
round, said.
"I got some rhythm after my first match and today, I found it
much better to play."
Kasatkina beat Polona Hercog 6-4 6-3 to reach the round of 16.
Joining her was Caroline Garcia, who downed Timea Babos 6-4 6-4,
and fifth seed Johanna Konta, who eased past Bernarda Pera 6-2
6-3.
The Australian Open will begin on Feb. 8.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
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