Melbourne: Thailand's Luksika Kumkhum was edged out by Japanese Naomi Osaka in three thrilling sets in the first round of the Australian Open yesterday. "I'm really exhausted, but happy," said Osaka, who reached the third round last year in her Grand Slam debut. Osaka, who was named the 2016 WTA Newcomer of the Year, will face ninth-seed Briton Johanna Konta in the second round. Osaka will not be joined in the second round by compatriot Risa Ozaki, the world No.93 losing 7-5, 6-1 to Italy's Sara Errani. She reached the second round in 2013 and 2014, and lost to Petra Kvitova in the opening round last year.

Source: Bangkok Post January 17, 2017 23:52 UTC