London (PA Media/dpa) – Naomi Osaka eased into the third round of the Olympic singles competition at the Ariake Tennis Park on Monday..
The Japanese star won her first match in eight weeks against Zheng Saisai on Sunday, saying she felt refreshed and happy after stepping away from the court for mental health reasons.
There were a few understandable signs of rust but Osaka, the favourite for gold, was very sharp in a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Swiss Wimbledon quarter-finalist Viktorija Golubic on Monday.
Four-time grand slam champion Osaka, who lit the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony for the Games, is returning to action having withdrawn from the French Open and skipped Wimbledon.