Naomi Osaka enjoys winning start at Madrid in bid to end clay court jinx

The World No. 2 recovered from an early break to ease into the last 32 in 87 minutes on the back of six aces, the last of which came on match point, and five breaks of serve.

Japan’s Naomi Osaka began her bid to capture a first clay court title with a 7-5, 6-2 win over compatriot Misaki Doi in the opening round of the Madrid Open on Friday.

The World No. 2 recovered from an early break to ease into the last 32 in 87 minutes on the back of six aces, the last of which came on match point, and five breaks of serve.  For left-handed Doi, the world 79, it was a 21st loss in 21 meetings against top 10 players.

Osaka, the reigning US and Australian Open champion, has seven career hard court titles to her name, but has never managed to lift a clay court trophy.  “I try to play my natural way. I would say if I start thinking about grinding too much, I become a bit of a pusher,” said Osaka.

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