Defending champion Naomi Osaka forced to dig deep at US Open

Naomi Osaka plays a return to Anna Blinkova who forced the defending champion into a deciding final set in their first-round match at Flushing Meadows. Picture: AP.

The top seed needed three sets to overcome gutsy  Russian Anna Blinkova 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2.

Osaka was back on Arthur Ashe court for the first time since “that” final, her victory 12 months ago which was completely overshadowed by Serena Williams’ meltdown.

The 21-year-old is back at world No 1 despite poor showings at the last two grand slams, including a first-round exit at Wimbledon.

Osaka has been troubled by a knee injury – which was heavily strapped up – and even openly admitted she has not been enjoying playing tennis since her win in Australia in  January.

She certainly did not enjoy the first three games, world No 84 Blinkova breaking her first service game to lead 3-0.

But Osaka won 11 points out of 12 on her way to clawing herself level before clinching the opening set.

Blinkova would not go away quietly, though and, having forged and squandered three set points at 6-5, she fashioned two more in the tiebreak and converted the second.

It meant a deciding set Osaka could probably have done without given her fitness concerns, but an early break gave her some breathing space for the first time in the match.

A ferocious forehand winner which clipped the line wrapped up victory in a shade under two and a half hours.

“It was really amazing for me, I have a lot of good memories here, I grew up here, and I wanted to add to that list of good memories,” said Osaka.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous in my life. She played amazingly and I never really found my  rhythm.

“You want to do well after winning last year. I love playing here, that’s why I played for nearly three hours! I definitely didn’t want to lose in the first round.

“I learn from the tougher matches so it helps me be  prepared.”

Former Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza was a first-round casualty as she went out in three sets to American Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 6-3.

Sixth seed Petra Kvitova, the two-time Wimbledon winner, eased through with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over fellow Czech  Denisa Allertova.

Kiki Bertens, the seventh seed, beat Paula Badosa of Spain 6-4, 6-2.