On January 13, Beijing time, the first round of the women's singles of the 2025 Australian Open was played between two YONEX signed players, and finally two-time former champion Naomi Osaka defeated French ace Garcia 6-3/3-6/6-3, and won at Melbourne Park again after three years.

Naomi Osaka won the first round of the 2025 Australian Open

Photo: Visual China

This is not the first time that Naomi Osaka and Garcia have faced each other at the Australian Open, with three of the five career meetings between the two players coming at the Australian Open. A year ago, Naomi Osaka returned to action after a major change in her life, choosing her two-time Australian Open as her first Grand Slam tournament since her comeback. However, Naomi Osaka defeated Garcia, the 16th seed who was still ranked in the top 20 in the world at the time, in the first round, and she fought two sets before losing 4-6, 6-7(2).

The French star rose to fame at a young age, but has been plagued by anxiety and panic disorder in recent years, and after several ups and downs, Garcia chose to leave the court briefly in September last year to study at Harvard University, and this year's Australian Open was also Garcia's first match back to court. The gears of fate allowed Naomi Osaka and Garcia to meet again in the first round of this year's Australian Open, and although Naomi Osaka is currently ranked higher than her opponents in the world, the tennis world is still sweating for the former ball's prospects at this Australian Open when the draw is released. There is no doubt that Naomi Osaka has won a strong draw, and in addition to Garcia, the likes of Mukhova, Bencic and Gauff are all potential opponents.

In her post-match press conference, Naomi Osaka said there was always a sense of déjà vu on the court yesterday, but not because of last year's defeat, and that she drew energy from the 2021 Australian Open victory. "I remember playing her in 2021 and I won, so I thought about it a little bit. I've played her here almost every Australian Open, she's a very good player, and I know I just have to keep going and stay the course. ”

Naomi Osaka admits that it takes a lot of energy to stay focused on the court after becoming a mother, but she wishes she could be more focused. "Like I wrote in the book, be very focused, give your all on every ball, and I feel like I'm going to go with the rhythm of the game. Obviously being a mom has changed a lot for me, but I'm probably a little calmer and I hope there will be more changes as the race goes on and I continue to play in all competitions. ”

Naomi Osaka in the game

Photo: Visual China

Naomi Osaka had a new coach in the offseason, and she also switched to the eighth-generation EZONE 98 racket for the new season. Naomi Osaka had a good run-up to the Australian Open, finishing runner-up in the WTA Auckland, and her competitive form was refreshing. Naomi Osaka's aggressive and attacking style of play makes it necessary for her to stay focused on the court, and the larger sweet spot of the eighth-generation EZONE 98 racket gives her more room for error, ensuring aggressiveness while enhancing stability. Naomi Osaka's outstanding performance in the new season is inseparable from the new upgrade of the eighth-generation EZONE 98 racket, and the EZONE, as Naomi Osaka's royal racquet since her youth, has formed an excellent tacit understanding between the two, which will accompany her to new heights in her career.

After winning in the first round, Naomi Osaka will take on 20th seed Mukhova in the second round, after losing to the Czech at last year's US Open, and the match is scheduled for the second match of the fourth match on the Golem Stadium. A tough battle is imminent, but Naomi Osaka's mentality is relaxed: "I lost to her at the US Open, and hopefully I can show better tennis this time." And I also like to draw a very tough draw and have a chance to prove that I'm the best of the best, which is the most fun moment. ”

(Text and editor: Dato)