Australian Open: Two-time champion Osaka rallies to beat Muchova

Naomi Osaka claimed a brilliant comeback win over Karolina Muchova to progress into round three at the Australian Open.

Muchova took the first set with ease, yet Osaka hit back to prevail 1-6 6-1 6-3 in front of a vociferous crowd at Melbourne Park.

Having conceded on her serve twice in the opener, Osaka offered up just three break points across sets two and three as she applied the pressure to the 20th seed.

Osaka saw two match points fall by the wayside as Muchova offered resistance on her own serve in the final game, but an excellent, looping return from the two-time Australian Open champion left the Czech scrambling.

Muchova's shot dropped out, sealing Osaka's passage into the third round.

Shining, @naomiosaka #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/n2olGAcoSO

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025

"It took everything. I felt like I left everything I had on the court," said Osaka, who crashed out in the first round last year.

"Last year was really tough for me. I felt like I could've done better."

The former world number one will take on Belinda Bencic in her next match.

Data Debrief: Osaka bouncing back

Among active players, only Aryna Sabalenka (82.5%, 52-11) has a higher winning percentage in women's singles matches on hard courts at the grand slams than Osaka (80.3%, 49-12).

Osaka, who has now won 26 matches at the Australian Open, finished with 33 winners to Muchova's 27, while also making fewer unforced errors (27 to 29).

After a difficult season in 2024, Osaka has already won six matches in 2025.