Physically fine and in a clear mindset, Osaka confident of starting at the Australian Open
The former world No 1 plays Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia n the first round in Melbourne for the second year running
Naomi Osaka, Auckland 2025
Image Credit: Photosport / Psnewz
Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka is confident that she will play the first Grand Slam of the season, despite pulling out of the Auckland final last weekend due to an abdominal injury.
The former world No 1 was leading Denmark’s Clara Tauson by a set in the Auckland final but then pulled out due to the injury. It was her first final since returning to tour as a mother last January.
“The MRI, it wasn’t fantastic but it wasn’t bad at the same time. So saying all that, I’m pretty optimistic about playing my match. I mean, for sure I’m going to play my match,” Osaka told the media in Melbourne on Friday. “I’ve been practicing pretty well for the two days that I’ve been here, so… Seems to be going good.”
I think my mindset now is probably the most clear it’s been in a very long time.
Osaka added that she is feeling in a good space mentally right now and is excited about her partnership with new coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
“I think my mindset now is probably the most clear it’s been in a very long time. Obviously, I did pretty well in Auckland. Like, I know I lost, debatably lost in the final. In my head I kind of won it. For me, that’s definitely a new career stat because I’ve only ever been to the semis in tournaments before this one. I’m really excited to play here. I’m also excited to be here with Patrick because we technically haven’t lost yet. So yeah, it’s going to be a good run I think.”
Osaka opens her ninth Australian Open campaign against French woman Caroline Garcia, who beat her in the first round here last year. The pair are tied at 2-2, with Garcia winning two of their three meetings in 2024.
“I asked Stuart, and I thought he was joking when he said that. I feel like we haven’t played in a couple of months, so maybe it was to be expected, too (smiling). I would say my relationship with her, it’s definitely grown a lot. I can’t say, like, we’re BFFs. I really respect her a lot. I feel the same energy coming from her.”
