Naomi Osaka started her Canadian Open campaign strongly by defeating Panna Udvardy in straight sets in her opening round match.

The Japanese star has been in fine form throughout the season, although she is yet to capture a singles title.

She came close at the Washington Open, where she reached the semi finals of the WTA 500 event, but she was beaten in straight sets by Alex Eala.

Along with the rest of the tennis world, Osaka has been floored by the Filipina star’s popularity on the WTA Tour throughout the season.

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“I think it’s great. Like, just now I finished my match and the little go cart was taking me back, I looked at the practice court and it was completely full,” said Osaka in her post-match press conference when asked about Eala.

“I was like, who’s practicing right now? She didn’t even go on court yet and then I saw the Filipino flags and I was like, um-hum. But, no, I think it’s awesome. Like, they’re so kind, too, the fans.

“Like, I think she’s playing late tonight and some of them were on my court cheering for me. I just felt really grateful. So it’s so cool that she’s building a new community.

“And then obviously her fans probably, like, watch tennis enough now to have like other favorites too. So I think it’s amazing, and obviously great for the tournament, because she sells a lot of tickets.”

Both Eala and Osaka are still in the Canadian Open and they are among the favourites to win the title.

Eala won her first match in three sets against Alycia Parks and she will play Caty McNally in the third round of the Masters event, after she beat Linda Noskova in straight sets.

Osaka, meanwhile, is set to play Elise Mertens in the third round.

Eala and Osaka are in the same section of the draw, so they could meet once again in a semi final, providing both stars make it that far.

Their match at the Washington Open was their first on the WTA Tour, but the way they are both playing it will likely not be the last for the 2026 season.

There is just six places splitting Osaka and Eala in the WTA Tour rankings. Eala currently sits at world No 20 following her triumph at the Washington Open while Osaka is the world No 14.

With only two of the top 20 out already at the Canadian Open, it continues to be a very strong field in the women’s draw.