Naomi Osaka's 2024 Australian Open experience is over after the first round, and she was quite disappointed by that result.
Osaka was adamant that she had no expectations ahead of her comeback in Australia, and that's probably true. Even so, the Japanese player couldn't really hide her disappointment as she approached the net to shake the hand of Caroline Garcia, who proved better.
The French player played a flawless match to beat Osaka in two sets and her home early. After the match, Osaka admitted that she didn't really regret anything as she learned a lot during this trip Down Under, but obviously, the result was a bit disappointing.
She didn't really play a bad match but Garcia was just amazing, especially with her serve totalling 12 aces in the match.
"Of course, I don't regret anything. I think I've learned a lot during this trip, both on the court and off the court. Also I think I just played some really good people. Like, it's a little unfortunate. I wish I could have maybe played United Cup or played something where I'm not immediately out if I don't win a match."
Osaka now turns her attention to the next event, which, according to the Japanese player, will be in Dubai. She has a packed schedule until the clay season, as the goal is to play as many matches as she can to get back to her best level.
She hopes to be at that level by the time the Sunshine Double rolls around, and that seems like a sensible expectation. We'll see what happens.
"Yeah, I think I just have to see how the rest of my season goes. I'm a little sad 'cause this outfit's really cool and you won't see it again (laughter). That's why I had to wear it in here."
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