“Who are you to think you can come back and immediately start winning matches?” Naomi Osaka talks about the voices in her head at the Australian Open presser after losing in straight sets against Caroline Garcia

Naomi Osaka faced a shocking defeat against Caroline Garcia in the first round of the AO 2024.

“Who are you to think you can come back and immediately start winning matches?” Naomi Osaka talks about the voices in her head at the Australian Open presser after losing in straight sets against Caroline Garcia

Naomi Osaka and Caroline Garcia (Image via: Imago)

New mom Naomi Osaka had an early first-round exit from the Australian Open. Facing French player Caroline Garcia, Osaka lost in straight sets after her 1-year hiatus from tennis. 

Talking about her game in the post-match press conference, Osaka seemed grateful for the time at the Grand Slam.

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Last year, in July, she gave birth to her daughter Shai with her longtime boyfriend Cordae. This year, she made an appearance in the season with Brisbane International but lost in the second round to Karolina Pliskova. Although she remains detrimental, despite the mental voices trying to pull her down.

I have to tell myself, Hey, like six months ago you were pregnant, stuff like that. Who are you to think you can come back and immediately start winning matches?
She told the press.

Having gone through a mental breakdown in the past, Osaka shed light on how she has learned to be more positive and address herself and her setbacks nicely.

This could be fathomed from the way she talked about her leftover season and how she has decided to stay hopeful. Well, only time can tell if she bears the fruit of her hard work.

Read More: Naomi Osaka loses in straight sets at the Australian Open as Caroline Garcia progresses to the second round

Caroline Garcia praises Noami Osaka in a heartwarming moment

Caroline Garcia emerged as the night’s headliner in an exciting match at the Rod Laver Arena, defeating Naomi Osaka, a returning Japanese phenomenon.

Despite the stress of the battle, Garcia demonstrated excellent sportsmanship by complimenting and respecting her opponent in the post-match interactions.

Caroline Garcia (Via: The Statesman)
I have a lot of respect for Naomi as a person & player. She’s had an amazing career. She was away for 15 months. She’s been through a lot.
She said in a post-match interview.

Despite feeling a tad unlucky leading into the match, Garcia recognized the nature of the first rounds in major tournaments, acknowledging the possibility of facing tough opponents. 

I felt a bit unlucky, to be honest. But you do know that in the first rounds—there were so many players coming back, so you know there’s a chance that you’re going to play someone tough.
Continuing further, she added

Osaka, who has won one of her past three matches since her return, plans to focus on greater growth as the year unfolds. Despite her early withdrawal from the Australian Open, the Japanese star remains hungry to improve her game and make a successful comeback.

Garcia, on the other hand, enters the following round full of confidence, riding high on his United Cup victory.

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