Defending Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka has showcased a refreshing shift in her mentality after advancing through to the third round at Melbourne Park.
Osaka set up a clash against Amanda Anisimova after defeating American Madison Brengle in a straight-sets 6-0 6-4 win at Rod Laver Arena.
The win continued a run of five straight wins for Osaka since her return from a well-publicised mental health break from the game last year.
LIVE UPDATES: Spanish star’s freakish winner leaves commentators stunned
READ MORE: Kyrgios and Murray baffled as ‘irritating’ chant engulfs Australian Open
READ MORE: Djokovic facing $42 million problem
After the win, Osaka was asked by US tennis legend Jim Courier on how she viewed her current level of play compared to her performances in previous years.
Her answer revealed a new perspective from a player who has been known to be particularly hard on herself in the past.
“Honestly, I’m trying not to do that,” Osaka told Courier.
Stream every match, every court of the Australian Open live and free on 9Now.
“I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I feel like if I compare myself to the past then I’ll never be satisfied.
“I’m just trying to take it one day at a time.”
Osaka’s answer was loudly applauded from her adoring fans in attendance inside the stadium.
Osaka, currently ranked No.14 in the world, opened her match with a brutal opening set.
The 24-year-old was dominant on serve and notched three crucial breaks in the first set before her American opponent stepped it up in the second.
Osaka looked to feel the pressure in a tight second set, notching 22 unforced errors by the mid-way point as Brengle came up with the first big break.
But after conceding the break, Osaka responded immediately with a breakpoint of her own before going on to clinch the match.