- Osaka says she was delusional when she thought she would win the Open
- The former champion only gave birth six months ago
- Osaka was overwhelmed by 16th seed Caroline Garcia
Naomi Osaka says she had “delusions” that she could win the Australian Open just six months after giving birth, following her loss to Caroline Garcia on Monday night.
The Japanese star has won the title twice at Melbourne Park, in 2019 and 2021, with his previous worst result being a second-round elimination in 2017.
But French 16th seed Garcia handed the 26-year-old a 6-4 7-6 (7-2) defeat in their opening match at Rod Laver Arena.
Despite the score, Osaka can take heart from her achievement as she returns to tennis at the Brisbane International just six months after the birth of her daughter, with the Open being her first major since the 2022 US Open.
Veteran Garcia, who won the fourth round of the Open last year he claimed an early break in the first set and never looked back.
Naomi Osaka says she expected much more of herself at the Australian Open
Osaka says she was delusional that she could win the Australian Open
The pair went toe-to-toe in the high-quality second division, with Osaka finding her range and rhythm as the match ended in a tie-break.
While Osaka opened with an ace, world No. 19 Garcia raised her own service game to keep her rival at bay.
She finished the match with 13 aces and 89 percent of first serve points won, while hitting 34 winners to Osaka’s 20.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka said she felt a bit “hesitant” at times, which she attributed to her time out.
“If I come here and play three tough matches, I’m sure I can at least challenge (the top players),” Osaka said.
‘But the competitor in me is really frustrated that I obviously don’t win these competitions.
“I wouldn’t say this comeback is how I thought (it would go) because I’m so foolish to think I could have won the tournament and I think it’s because of these delusions that I can win tournaments.”
She said she couldn’t help but be disappointed with the outcome.
The Australian event is Osaka’s first major since the 2022 US Open
The former champion said she was grateful to be back playing at Rod Laver Arena after her first round loss to Caroline Garcia (pictured)
“The competitor in me is not happy that I am not winning these matches, but I think I just have to work hard and play many more matches and then hopefully my dreams will come true,” Osaka said.
“I thought it was a really good match for me and I felt like I did my best.
‘I mean, I still feel a bit disappointed – I don’t know if I’m disappointed in myself – I don’t think that’s possible because I really feel like I couldn’t have done more given the circumstances.
“I thought I did better and better as the match went on.”
Garcia was full of praise for her opponent and the level of her tennis so soon after giving birth.
“She’s had a great career. She was gone fifteen months. She’s been through a lot,” Garcia said.
“She’s a great girl and she’s done so much for our tennis over the years.
‘Six months after giving birth, she is already playing great. We have to be careful.’