Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka on Tuesday defeated Australian player Destanee Aiava in straight sets to become the first player through to the quarterfinals at the Brisbane International.
The US Open champion and number two seed outlasted Australian teenager by 6-3, 6-2.
"I didn't really serve that much during the off-season, because I hurt my shoulder a little bit. So honestly, I was just really glad that I could serve well today. But I think one of the things that I was working on more is like trusting my fitness level," Women's Tennis Association quoted Osaka, as saying.
"And even though it didn't seem like it because I was blasting half of the balls, I was trying to construct the point a little bit, so I think that is what mattered to me the most," she added.
Osaka, who didn't lose serve in the match that lasted over one hour, saved all six break points she faced, served nine aces, and broke the qualifier's serve three times.
"It is always great to start with a win. I was really nervous coming out here because I felt like this is one of the matches I am expected to win. But playing against someone like her who is a bit unpredictable and very strong, it was like one of those moments where I felt like I just have to stay really calm, but I couldn't. So I am just really happy that I could play well," Osaka concluded.
The world number five will face either number eight seed Anastasija Sevastova or the British qualifier Harriet Dart.