Naomi Osaka reveals she has ‘no regrets’ despite Australian Open first round loss
Naomi Osaka returned to the Australian Open with a loss, having been beaten in straight sets by Caroline Garcia, but the four-time Grand Slam champion appears to be looking at the loss with perspective.
Osaka lost, 4-6 6(2)-7, to the 16th seed in her first Grand Slam match since giving birth to her daughter, Shai, just six months ago.
And the Japanese star took that very seriously when speaking to the press: “I have to say to myself ‘Hey, six months ago you were pregnant’, and of course, there’s a voice in my head [that says]”Who are you to think you can come back and immediately start winning matches?”
He continued, “But I always expect myself to have a chance anyway. I guess being nicer to myself is a key thing I learned while I was away, but it’s really hard to play a good server and not make a lot of comebacks.
“These last two weeks, I’m very grateful to them. I have an amazing team and have created many different memories with them in Australia. Of course, I don’t regret anything.”
Osaka won her first match of the season against Tamara Korpatsch at the WTA event in Brisbane, before losing in the second round to former No.1 Karolina Pliskova.
The 26-year-old revealed she has ‘learned a lot’ under: ‘I have learned a lot during this journey both on and off the pitch. Also, I think I’ve played some really good people. it’s a bit unfortunate.
“Maybe I could have played the United Cup or something where I’m not out straight away, but I have to see how the rest of my season goes. I’m a bit sad because this outfit is really nice and you won’t see it again!”
She is so golden ✨@naomiosaka makes her long-awaited return to the Grand Slam in Melbourne! pic.twitter.com/ITjLoaCSF3
— wta (@WTA) January 15, 2024
Garcia hit a total of 34 winners in the match, including 13 aces, and Osaka believes opponents raise their level against her, “I always felt that [players bring their best form against me]but I think that comes with the territory.
“[Coach] Wim [Fissette] He always shows me his PowerPoint presentations about the opponent, but when I step on the court, they hit harder and serve faster. I feel it may be necessary. I always look forward to it, but sometimes it’s a bit disappointing.”
Osaka hasn’t played more than 30 games in a season since 2019, but is planning a fuller schedule for 2024, “Vim just talked to me about playing a lot more games, so I’m not sure if he wants to add things. but I’m definitely thinking about Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami, Charleston and then probably a full clay season.”
Inside the baseline…
Not a bad performance from Naomi Osaka, but she was up against a very good Caroline Garcia in Melbourne. Currently ranked No.831, Osaka needs as many matches as possible, even though the former No.1 will be able to get as many wildcards as she wants! It’s great to hear that she plans to play a fuller schedule in 2024, especially on clay where she hasn’t found her feet yet.
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