Second seed Naomi Osaka began her French Open campaign with a 6-4, 7-6 (4) victory over Patricia Maria Tig in the first round, but that was hardly the story surrounding the Japanese on Sunday.

After stating she will not be holding any post-match press conferences for mental health reasons, Osaka was fined $15,000 and faces a possible default in Paris for "repeated violations" should she continue her media boycott.

Osaka lets tennis do the talking in first-round victory

With all of that facing her, Osaka took to Philippe Chatrier against Tig and after saving a break point in the opening game of the match, she broke to take a 2-0 lead.

Osaka plays a backhand during her first-round victory/Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Osaka plays a backhand during her first-round victory/Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images

The serve was working as the second seed posted consecutive love holds, having won 15 of 16 serve points to put herself a game from the first set at 5-2. Tig saved a set point and broke when Osaka misfired on a forehand. 

Now back on serve, the Romanisn watched helplessly as Osaka clambered through that game to break at love, sealing the set with a powerful forehand while moving forward.

Tig's serve was again under pressure in the second set, but she saved a break point to make the score 2-2. The Romanian had a real look at 4-4, 15-15, but a missed half-volley allowed Osaka to steal her momentum. 

Tig tested Osaka on opening day in Paris/Photo: Julien Finney/Getty Images
Tig tested Osaka on opening day in Paris/Photo: Julien Finney/Getty Images

The Romanian would save a match point with a beautiful forehand down the line and she eventually holds to force a second set tiebreaker, which sees Osaka jump out to a 5-2 lead.

Tig would get back on serve after the second seed committed back-to-back unforced errors, but she ceded her two service points, giving Osaka a much-needed victory to calm the storm that has been surrounding her recently.

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