‘It’s the heat’ – Naomi Osaka offers theory on why she performs well at Australian Open

Naomi Osaka says she believes the hot conditions could help her win another Australian Open.

Osaka has won the tournament twice before, including last year.

She made a fine start to that title defence on Monday as she beat impressive young Colombian Camila Osario 6-3, 6-3 on Rod Laver.

Asked on court after the match what she thought brings the best from her in Melbourne, Osaka did have a theory.

“I’m not sure if it’s the heat,” she said. “I don’t know, I really like hot conditions.

“I just feel like whenever I come here everyone is so warm and welcoming. You guys are all very nice. I’m sure that has a really positive effect on me.”

“Yeah, definitely always feels special for me to come back here. I played the warm-up tournament before the grand slam a week ago.

“I have a lot of really good memories here. It just feels really nice to start the year always in this tournament.

Aside from a small blip towards the end of the first set, Naomi Osaka was in command for the duration of her opening match.

She, though, is expecting big things from Osario in the future.

“I thought I played really well given the circumstances,” Osaka said.

“I didn’t really have that much information on my opponent. I thought she played amazing. She was fighting for every point. I think that’s a really good quality.

“I’m sure we’ll see her on this court pretty frequently. Yeah, I’m just overall I’m happy to be here.

“I’m happy to see everyone in the audience. I’m really glad, and I hope we give you a really good performance.”

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