OSAKA REDRESSES MISTAKES TO PREVAIL

She beats ‘mad’ Cirstea 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 despite 4| unforced errors to progress to 3rd round

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Japan's Naomi Osaka battling through an error-strewn performance in the second round on Jan 22 to see off Romanian Sorana Cirstea, who was competing in her 18th and last Australian Open.

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

An error-riddled Naomi Osaka left her parasol, hat and veil in storage on Jan 22 before the Japanese ground into the Australian Open third round with a nervy win that ended in acrimony.

The four-time Major champion stunned the opening Grand Slam of the year on Jan 20, when she emerged onto centre court for her first-round match decked out in an audacious “jellyfish-inspired” outfit.

Her white umbrella, matching wide-brimmed hat and long gauzy veil were complemented by a sleeveless turquoise dress over pleated white trousers.

The dress and trousers made another appearance, but the rest were left behind.

Instead, it was all business on Margaret Court Arena, with the 28-year-old downing experienced Romanian Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in exactly two hours.