Naomi Osaka Celebrated by Fans in Return to Tennis at Australian Open Despite Loss

Two-time Australian Open winner Naomi Osaka was defeated 6-4 7-6 by 16th seed Caroline Garcia in her first Grand Slam appearance since the 2022 US Open after giving birth to her daughter.

Both stars played aggressive tennis, attacking key points in a match that was defined by short rallies and moments of quality.

Garcia asserted herself first, breaking for 3-2 in the first set as Osaka's double fault left the door open. The French player's hounding serve then held off Osaka's best efforts to draw level, her ace whizzing beyond the former champ for 5-3. Garcia fired two excellent serves to see out the first set inside 41 minutes.

Osaka's new mindset was in full show, her calmness under pressure pinpointed during a change of ends:

Osaka started to slam home her first serve in the second set, gaining momentum with a brilliant game that took just 54 seconds to see out for 2-1.

Both players constantly looked for the killer shot; it was either hit a powerful winner or unforced error in a bid to gain any advantage, exerting the type of quality we're used to seeing in the second week at the Rod Laver.

Garcia looked the most likely to break in the second set due to her willingness to step forwards and attack Osaka's second serve. Numerous faults slowed Osaka's game, and despite holding steady during a couple of pressure moments, Garcia refused to blink.

Osaka began the second set tiebreak with an unstoppable ace and a roar to fire up the crowd. Garcia struck back, landing the first mini break and moments later, four match points. Osaka then struck the net to hand Garcia victory.

Despite Osaka's defeat, Twitter celebrated having one of the sport's biggest stars back in action:

Osaka was perhaps unlucky to face an opponent of Garcia's quality on her return. That performance would have been enough to take out most. Both players put on a quality display and Osaka should look to take the positives from a tough battle into the rest of 2024.