Naomi Osaka surprised everyone by unveiling her pregnancy shortly after withdrawing from last year’s Australian Open. This year, the new mom made a big return to Melbourne, but her campaign was cut short as she faced a defeat in the first round against Caroline Garcia, 6-4 7-6(2).
Playing only her second tournament since giving birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023, Osaka never challenged Garcia in Monday’s last match scheduled on Rod Laver Arena. One break of serve, in the fifth game, was enough for the 16th seed to secure the first set, while the second set went with serve until the Frenchwoman claimed it in a tiebreak.