Naomi Osaka is relishing the opportunity of facing tough opponents at the Australian Open in her quest to claim a fifth grand slam title of her career.

Osaka, who won the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in 2019 and 2021, reached the third round of this year's tournament with a 1-6 6-1 6-3 victory over Karolina Muchova.

Her reward for her latest victory is a clash against Belinda Bencic, who is playing in her first grand slam tournament since giving birth.

Bencic has been another tough adversary throughout her career, with the Swiss winning three of their five matches, though Osaka did win their latest meeting at the Miami Open in 2022.

Should she emerge victorious from that tie, a possible encounter with Coco Gauff awaits, with world number seven Jessica Pegula and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also on her side of the draw.

"Yeah, I mean, you know me. I love it. I love playing the big opponents. I think that's where I play my best tennis," Osaka said.

"Honestly, for me, if I play better and better opponents as the rounds go on, I think it's more interesting because I feel like it's like the clash of two Titans almost.

"I think the fans probably appreciate it, and I also appreciate it as a player."

Having struggled in grand slams in recent years, the former world number one has won more main-draw matches in her career (26) at Melbourne Park.

Osaka's triumph over Muchova will now see her make her first appearance in the third round of a grand slam since the 2022 Australian Open.

Osaka is hopeful of continuing her love affair with the tournament, believing that reaching this stage of a grand slam has huge significance for her.

"Yeah, I mean, I think there is for me, though I try not to think about it too much right now. It definitely was something that is a goal of mine, especially after last year," she said.

"I wasn't able to beat a seed in a grand slam. I'm obviously very thankful that that happened so early this year.

"I just hope that I can continue playing here because it is one of my favourite tournaments."