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AAP
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Melissa Woods

Osaka cruises into Open third round

2019 Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka is into the third round after downing Caroline Garcia. (AAP)

Third-seed and favourite Naomi Osaka has locked in a regulation straight-sets victory to cruise into the Australian Open third round.

Osaka, who took the title at Melbourne Park in 2019, was in full control of her 6-2 6-3 win over France's Caroline Garcia.

The Japan star, who is also the reigning US Open champion, next faces world No.30 Ons Jabeur of Tunisia.

Taking just 61 minutes to secure the win, Osaka lived up to her tag as favourite.

She said she felt comfortable against the world No.43. who was ranked as high as No.4 in late 2018.

"It felt good," Osaka said.

"It's really hard to play opponents like her because you never know what she's going to do and how hard she's going to hit."

Asked on court on how she'd been spending her time in Melbourne since her arrival, Osaka said she felt guilty getting out and about while people in the USA, where she is based, were struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The first day I got here I was really excited because you guys get to do stuff, unlike in America," the 23-year-old said.

"So I walked around but then I felt guilty, I didn't know if guys were staring at me so then I just stayed in my room and started watching Netflix."

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