Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has admitted that her tennis comeback on the Doha Open has been difficult. She confronted Caroline Garcia, the identical opponent who defeated her on the Australian Open, and managed to assert a 7-5, 6-4 victory over the World No.21.
During an on-court interview, Osaka stated: "I didn't realise how tough it was til I stepped away for a bit. It made me a lot more grateful. I realised the athlete's lifespan isn't that long. I really have to treasure every moment on the court."
Despite trailing Garcia 5-3, Osaka managed to save lots of seven of eight break factors and went on to win 5 straight video games. This marked her first victory over a top-30 participant since returning to the sport in January.
"I have never believed in, like, unlucky draws," Osaka shared when she discovered she'd play Garcia once more. "I have always felt like whoever is the better player deserves to win at the end of the day. For me, I almost feel better if I play tougher opponents, because I think, like, I learn more from the matches."
After breaking her shedding streak, Osaka stated, "It was really tough today. I felt really inspired because I haven't been here in a while. Just to see everyone out here.
"I noticed a number of Haitian and Japanese flags. I simply wish to say thanks. It actually means rather a lot to me."
Osaka is set to face Petra Martic next after the latter's tough match against Arantxa Rus. Osaka is on the hunt for her first title since her 2021 Australian Open win and her first tournament victory since having her daughter Shai in July 2023.
Emma Raducanu, meanwhile, was knocked out in the opening round of the Doha Open by Anhelina Kalinina, losing 6-0 7-6. "I used to be battling every thing - serve, return, forehand, backhand," Raducanu told Sky Sports. "I felt like I by no means actually bought into it."
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