Audio By Carbonatix
Naomi Osaka said it "feels like a dream" as she made a winning return on her first appearance at Wimbledon for five years.
The four-time Grand Slam champion came through 6-1 1-6 6-4 against Diane Parry in the first round on court two.
Japan's Osaka returned to the tour in 2024 after the birth of her first child, daughter Shai, a year ago.
The 26-year-old, who is now ranked 113rd in the world, was injured in 2022 and also missed the 2021 tournament while taking time off to deal with mental health issues.
"I'm really excited to be here and it's funny, Wimbledon was the first tournament I watched after pregnancy and my daughter's turning one tomorrow so, I'm really glad to still be here," said Osaka.
Competing as a wildcard, Osaka raced through the opening set in just 22 minutes, firing a series of winners past French 21-year-old Parry.
Her level dropped in the second set, though, as Parry quickly levelled and the world number 53 twice went a break up in the deciding set.
But Osaka, who has never been beyond the third round at SW19, fought back and three double faults in the final game from Parry led to her downfall.
Osaka will play American 19th seed Emma Navarro in the second round.
Latest Stories
-
India blocks Telegram messaging app until June 22, government says
47 minutes -
Cocoa farmers spared another blow as gov’t rejects price cut despite global slump – COCOBOD
56 minutes -
While Côte d’Ivoire cuts cocoa prices, Ghana holds the line to protect farmers – COCOBOD
1 hour -
‘We had to save the sector’ – COCOBOD defends unprecedented cocoa price intervention
2 hours -
Sophia Akuffo didn’t resign over Torkornoo’s removal – Kwakye Ofosu
2 hours -
Government ends diesel fuel relief ahead of June pricing window
2 hours -
Bossman Asare resigned voluntarily, government didn’t pressure him – Kwakye Ofosu
2 hours -
Military deployed to Bawku SHS after student rampage over exam malpractice crackdown
2 hours -
Roads Ministry must disclose full details of road contracts – MFWA
2 hours -
Two jailed over armed robbery attack on New Edubiase fuel station
2 hours -
IAEA backs Ghana’s nuclear readiness amid Africa’s growing energy transition
2 hours -
Tema West MP demands urgent probe into missing Constituency Women’s Organiser
2 hours -
Church of Pentecost Chairman calls on Nkwanta residents to embrace peace
2 hours -
Mahama presides over 48th Change of Guards Parade at the Presidency
2 hours -
Mahama receives letters of credence from seven new envoys
2 hours