Naomi Osaka of Japan continued her impressive return from maternity leave, defeating ninth-seeded Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 6-3, 6-1 in the National Bank Open on Wednesday. This victory marked Osaka’s fifth win against a top-20 player since her comeback, showcasing her impressive form. The former world No. 1 player attributed her strong performance to her love for hard courts and her instinctive play. “Everyone knows I really love hard courts. I wasn’t thinking too much. It was very instinctual,” Osaka said, emphasizing that her game thrives when facing top competition. “Honestly, when I play the best players, like Ons, I tend to play better.” Osaka will face Elise Mertens of Belgium in the second round. Mertens advanced after defeating American Katie Volynets 6-3, 6-1.
Paul Badosa, a former world No. 2 player making a comeback from a back injury, followed her Washington title win with a dominant 6-1, 6-4 victory over Denmark’s Clara Tauson. The Spanish star will next challenge fourth-seeded Jelena Ostapenko in the second round.
In a late match, defending champion and third-seeded Jessica Pegula of the United States secured her spot in the next round with a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 win over Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic.
In another night match, 15th-seeded Leylah Fernandez of Canada overcame Nao Hibino of Japan 6-3, 5-7, 6-1. Marina Stakusic, a 19-year-old from nearby Mississauga, made a successful debut in the main draw, defeating Russia’s Erika Andreeva 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-4.
