Naomi Osaka eased concerns about her form and fitness by coming through a tricky first round against Dominika Cibulkova at the Madrid Open yesterday. Osaka has struggled since splitting with her coach Sascha Bajin in February while an abdominal injury forced her to withdraw in Stuttgart eight days ago, creating doubts about her challenge at the French Open later this month.

No pain
But there was little sign of physical problems during a testing 6-2, 7-6 victory over Cibulkova and afterwards, Osaka said: "I feel good. I don't have much pain in my abs so that's always a good sign." The Japanese will now face the winner of an all-Spanish tie between Lara Arruabarrena and Sara Sorribes Tormo in round two.