Naomi Osaka makes her feelings known on facing fellow mother Belinda Bencic in Australian Open 3R

Naomi Osaka has opened up about facing fellow mother Belinda Bencic in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open. Bencic is competing in her first Major since giving birth to her daughter Bella in April last year.

Following her hard-fought win over Caroline Garcia in her tournament opener at the Melbourne Slam, Osaka faced another tough challenge against Karolina Muchova in the second round. After her loss to Muchova in the second round of last year's US Open, the former World No. 1 appeared set for a similar exit as she lost the opening set 6-1.

However, the four-time Grand Slam champion mounted an impressive comeback to claim a 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory, advancing to the third round of a Major for the first time since giving birth to her daughter Shai.

During her on-court interview, Naomi Osaka was asked whether she had offered any advice to her third-round opponent Belinda Bencic on navigating the tour as a returning mother. However, the Japanese humorously remarked that Bencic didn't need any advice from her.

Osaka also disclosed that she hadn't had the opportunity to cross paths with the Swiss in Melbourne and would simply see her on the other side of the net.

"Oh she doesn't want advice from me, I promise. No, I haven't really bumped into her. It's weird, when you're at a Slam you don't really see people when you expect them but I guess I'll see her on the other side of the court," Osaka said.

While Belinda Bencic has not turned to Naomi Osaka for guidance, she has sought advice from compatriot and father-of-four Roger Federer on how to balance parenthood with a professional tennis career. During her press conference at the Australian Open, the 27-year-old acknowledged that she could learn a lot from how Federer and his wife Mirka handled their family life.

Belinda Bencic holds the head-to-head advantage against Naomi Osaka ahead of Australian Open 3R

Belinda Bencic and Naomi Osaka - Source: Getty

Belinda Bencic holds the advantage heading into her blockbuster third-round clash with Naomi Osaka at the 2025 Australian Open. The duo have previously locked horns five times, with Bencic emerging victorious on three occasions, including a 7-5, 6-4 victory at the 2019 US Open.

However, Osaka triumphed in their most recent meeting at the 2022 Miami Open, claiming a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win. The winner of the highly anticipated contest will potentially face third seed Coco Gauff in the fourth round.

If Naomi Osaka continues her dream run at the Australian Open, she will likely face Paula Badosa or Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals, followed by a potential semifinal clash with top seed and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.