Playing her first Grand Slam tournament as a mom, Naomi Osaka was beaten in the first round of the Australian Open.
Osaka, a four-time major champion, fell to No. 16 Carolina Garcia of France, 6-4, 7-6(2) in just her second tournament since returning from maternity leave following the birth of her daughter Shai last July.
“It’s a nightmare opponent in your first match at a major, to play Garcia, the ultimate disruptor,” ESPN’s Pam Shriver said on air.
Osaka was one of several new mothers along with Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki in the draw. Kerber and Wozniacki have yet to play their first-round matches.
“In regards to Naomi, I always say you never underestimate a champion,” ESPN’s Mary Joe Fernandez said ahead of the tournament. “She’s won the Australian Open a couple times. I watched her play last week, as well. I thought she was striking the ball very well after a long time away. Actually thought she was moving pretty well.
“If she can find a way to get through the first few rounds, she always becomes a threat. She has major weapons with her serves and groundstrokes.
“You look at the top four with Iga [Swiatek], [Aryna] Sabalenka, [Elena] Rybakina and Coco [Gauff], tough to get through those I think at the moment. I thought it was very promising what we saw last week from Naomi.”
Garcia won the first set in 41 minutes and hit a service winner on set point.
In the second set tiebreak, Osaka hit a backhand into the net on match point.
Garcia didn’t face a single break point in the match and banged out 13 aces. She dropped just one point on her first serve in the second set.
“If Caroline Garcia plays that well,she’s going to win the tournament,” ESPN’s Rennae Stubbs. “I mean, that’s a joke how well she played tonight.”