Former world setter Naomi Osaka has slipped to 78th place in the world rankings after not playing much tennis in recent years.
After the US Open victory in 2018, the Japanese ended up in a depression and has since fought against mental illness.
But in the first round of the WTA tournament Indian Wells, she showed the class against Sloane Stephens, ranked 38th in the world.
The American won the first set 6-3 and also had 2-0 in the decisive set against Osaka.
But the Japanese showed strength and were able to break Stephen's serve three times and win 6-2.
- Quite honestly, I feel in harmony with myself.
It's a great feeling to feel like a human being, Osaka said before the tournament.
Sloane Stephens has also won the US Open, 2017, but has just like Osaka had it heavier in recent seasons.