Naomi Osaka clinched Japan’s first win at the United Cup with a 7-6 (4), 6-1 victory over Great Britain’s Katie Swan.
Former WTA number one Osaka needed one hour and 53 minutes to overcome Swan, who replaced the injured Emma Raducanu.
The success arrived after Great Britain’s Billy Harris beat Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki in the first match of the Group E United Cup tie.
But Olivia Nicholls and Neal Skupski beat Nao Hibino and Yasutaka Uchiyama in the doubles clash to secure a 2-1 victory for Tim Henman’s Great Britain.
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Naomi Osaka proud of ‘fighting’ in historic United Cup win
Still, Osaka’s maiden United Cup success was historic for Japan, who were making their debut at this year’s tournament.
Sharing what she was most pleased with after the win, she said: “Just fighting, no matter what the score was.
“I’ve never played her before and she’s a really tough opponent. And to have one of the first matches of the year is definitely really tough, but I’m glad to be back here. I haven’t been here since 2017, so thanks for having me.”
Osaka added: “[Winning the first set] was definitely really important. And just, I guess for my confidence, trying to just build more. So yeah, I definitely appreciated winning the first set for sure.”
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Osaka’s efforts against Swan were ultimately in vain, with Japan having been eliminated from the United Cup with the loss.
They lost 3-0 in their opening match against Greece, where Osaka was beaten 6-4, 6-2 by Maria Sakkari.
But her win over Swan should provide a big confidence boost at the start of the season, and one that should serve her well for the Australian Open.
The Japan star has won the hard court Grand Slam on two occasions, having done the same at the US Open.
Great Britain meanwhile take on Greece next in Perth, with the champion to qualify for the quarterfinals as the winner of Group E.
Raducanu could still play at the United Cup, having missed out on what would likely have been a thriller with Osaka.
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