Naomi Osaka makes her feelings known about first win of 2025 season

Naomi Osaka began her 2025 season on a positive note after winning her first-round match at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. The Japanese star is playing at the tournament for the first time since 2017.

Osaka is seeded seventh at the 2025 ASB Classic and faced qualifier Lina Glushko in the opening-round contest on December 30. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who had ended her 2024 season early due to injury, looked in sync in Auckland as she cruised to a one-set advantage by breaking Glushko once.

The Israeli qualifier also went down a break in the second set, but she broke Osaka back. The former World No. 1 eventually regained the lead and held on to it to win the match 6-4, 6-4 in just over 80 minutes. Osaka was content with her performance and impressed by Glushko's level, giving her credit for a good fight in her on-court interview.

“I’m really happy to be back. I definitely think she’s an amazing opponent. I had never played her before. It was good to have to scrap for the first round. I had no idea what the score was most of the time. I just kept trying to tell myself one point at a time and trying not to get discouraged. Thankfully it came out in my favor in the end," Naomi Osaka said.

The match was struck by controversy as protestors gathered outside center court at ASB Tennis Center.

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Naomi Osaka's first-round clash at ASB Classic hit with controversy as protestors disrupt proceedings

Naomi Osaka (Source: Getty)

Naomi Osaka's match against Lina Glushko in Auckland saw a group protesting the presence of Glushko, who is Israeli and has voiced support for Israel amid its deadly conflict with Gaza.

Like most in her country, Glushko has served in the Israel Defense Forces. The protesters chanted slogans against her and their actions briefly halted play at the end of the first set. As the group was outside the venue, security personnel could not do much to curb the distraction.

After bettering Glushko, Osaka will face Julia Grabher in the second round of the 2025 ASB Classic on January 1. This will be the first tour meeting between the two women. Grabher, currently ranked World No. 490, defeated qualifier Leyre Romero Gormez in her first-round match. Osaka is eyeing her first silverware on the tour since her 2021 Australian Open triumph.