Eleventh-seeded Naomi Osaka overcame a slow start for a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over Leylah Fernandez on Tuesday in a first-round match at the Wuhan Open.

Playing in the event for the first time in eight years, Osaka recorded 10 aces and overcame eight double faults to dispatch the Canadian in 2 1/2 hours. The four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan also exacted a bit of revenge after losing to Fernandez in the Round of 16 at the 2021 U.S. Open.

Osaka stumbled from the onset, double faulting on the opening point and later allowing Fernandez to break serve and gain a 3-2 lead in the opening set.

Osaka appeared to regain her composure and jumped out to a 4-2 lead in the second set, however six double faults nearly led to her undoing. Undaunted, Osaka forced a deciding set.

Osaka once again ra

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