Naomi Osaka on Monday crashed out of the Australian Open on her return to the Tennis court in a Grand Slam after 15 months. Osaka, who recently became a mother, lost in the first round 4-6 6-7 (2-7) to Caroline Garcia.
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Osaka looked a bit rusty as she began her bid to reestablish herself as a major force in Women’s tennis. Caroline, who had heaped praises on Osaka before the match, sensed the opportunity and produced a near-perfect game.
The French player did not give Osaka even a sniff into the game as she won the first set comfortably by 4-6 margin. Garcia won the first set in 41 minutes and hit a service winner on set point.
Osaka produced a more determined front in the second set, not allowing Caroline to break her serve. However, Osaka didn’t have a single break point in the match as the 2nd set went to the tie-breaker. Garcia held onto her calm in the tie breaker to clinch the tie in her favour as a dejected-looking Osaka disappeared behind the tunnel.
Garcia was dominant in the match, producing less unforced errors compared to Osaka and hitting 13 aces throughout the match.
The French player will face Magdalena Fręch in the second round of the Australian Open.
Editors pick
