PARIS - World number two Naomi Osaka let her racquet do the talking at the French Open on Sunday when she reached the second round with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Romania's Patricia Maria Tig.
The 23-year-old Japanese star, a four-time Grand Slam title winner, has refused to carry out media obligations at the tournament, claiming news conferences are detrimental to her mental health.
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However, she did agree to a quick on-court television interview after Sunday's win.
No.2 seed moving on 🆙@naomiosaka books her spot in the second-round, overcoming Tig in a tight second set 6-4, 7-6(4). #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/OMf1hZM6i0
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2021
"For me, playing on clay is a work in progress," said the reigning US and Australian Open champion on a sun-kissed Court Philippe Chatrier.
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"Hopefully the more I play, the better I will become. It's a beautiful court. I've only played two matches here, one before the roof and one now so hopefully I'll keep it going."
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Osaka, who has never got past the third round in Paris, fired 39 winners but committed 35 unforced errors against her 63rd-ranked opponent.
Next up for the second seed is another Romanian player, Ana Bogdan.
AFP