Naomi Osaka battled windy conditions and an in-form Sloane Stephens to earn a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 first round victory at Indian Wells on Thursday.

In a showdown of former U.S. Open champions, Osaka struggled in the first set amid the mighty gusts in her first match since January.

After a lackluster first set, Osaka turned a switch in the second, racing out to a 4-0 lead as her serve and defense suddenly improved.