Naomi Osaka’s return to the top of women’s tennis has hit a speed-bump with the former world No.1 bowing out in the first round of the Australian Open for the first time.
The Japan star has won the title twice at Melbourne Park, in 2019 and 2021, with her previous worst result a second-round elimination back in 2017.
But French 16th seed Caroline Garcia handed the 26-year-old a 6-4 7-6 (7-2) defeat in their opening clash on Rod Laver Arena on Monday night.
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Despite the scoreline Osaka can take heart with her performance — returning to tennis at last week’s Brisbane International just six months after the birth of her daughter with the Open her first major since the US Open in 2022.
She warned fans last week “a lot of time and patience” will be needed before she rediscovers her best but the four-time grand slam champion believes she’s capable of returning to the top of the game.
Veteran Garcia, who reached the fourth round of the Open last year, claimed an early break in the first set and never looked back
The pair went toe to toe in the a high-quality second, with Osaka finding her range and rhythm as the match went into a tie-break.
While Osaka opened with an ace, world No.19 Garcia lifted her own service game to keep her rival at bay.
She finished the match with 13 aces and 89 per cent of first serve points won while hit 34 winners to Osaka’s 20.
At one change of ends in the second set Osaka pulled a journal out of her bag, appearing to study some notes as she sought another way past Garcia.
The unusual act didn’t go unnoticed by fans, particularly after it was highlighted on social media by the Australian Open itself.
“World-class multi-tasking from Naomi Osaka … there’s never a bad time for a good book,” the AO joked.
But whatever she tried there was just no stopping Garcia, who was full of praise for her opponent and the standard of her tennis so soon after giving birth.
“I have a lot of respect for Naomi as a player and a person. She’s had an amazing career,” the French star said.
“She was away for 15 months. She’s been through a lot. I’m just very glad to see her back and I just hope she can enjoy tennis now and have fun out there.
“She’s a great girl, she’s done so much for tennis in the last few years. Six months after giving birth, she’s playing quite amazing already — we have to watch out.”
– with 7NEWS
