Osaka survives Blinkova test

Naomi Osaka was given a testing workout by Anna Blinkova as she began the defence of her U.S. Open title on Tuesday but the world number one’s power and shot making ultimately proved too much as she prevailed 6-4 6-7(5) 6-2. The unseeded Blinkova raced into a 4-1 lead in the first set and a shock appeared to be in the works but Osaka cut down her errors to win five straight games and take the opener.

The tenacious Blinkova refused to back down, however, saving a match point on Osaka’s serve in the second before breaking her to set up a tiebreak, which the Russian won when Osaka sent a return into the net. The 21-year-old Japanese responded by looking to her box and mimicked putting a gun to her head and pulling the trigger. Osaka stayed composed in the third, however, breaking Blinkova to take a 3-1 lead before sealing the first-round win with a blistering forehand that caught the line.

It was an erratic performance for Osaka, who committed an unsightly 50 unforced errors, 28 more than her opponent, but also blasted 44 winners and pounded eight aces. Osaka said the nerves that come with being a firsttime defending champion played a part in her slow start and also gave credit to Blinkova for an impressive performance.

Wimbledon champion Simona Halep, ousted in the opening round the past two years at Flushing Meadows, beat US lucky loser Nicole Gibbs 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. “I feel much better that I could win a match finally in this tournament,” Halep said. “I feel like my game, it’s there.”