‘Delusional’ Osaka laments loss
A frank Naomi Osaka has opened up about her “delusional” belief she could win the Australian Open just six months after giving birth.
Two-time champion Osaka, 26, played with venom but was overpowered by a clinical Caroline Garcia 6-4 7-6 (7-2) in their opening-round clash on Rod Laver Arena on Monday night.
Osaka had previously played down her chances at Melbourne Park as she readied for just her third match back from a 15-month lay-off.
However, the former world No. 1 said she had privately expected much more of herself than she showed in her brief time on court Down Under.
“Coming here and playing three tough matches, I feel positive that I’m at least able to challenge (the top players),” Osaka said.
“But the competitor in me is really frustrated that I’m not winning these matches.
“I wouldn’t say this comeback is how I thought (it would go) because I’m delusional enough to think I could have won the tournament and I think my delusion is what allows me to win tournaments.
“But I think I just have to keep living day by day, training hard, playing a lot more
matches and hopefully my dreams come true.
“I have to tell myself like ‘hey, six months ago you were pregnant’ and stuff like that.
“And there’s a voice in my head, ‘who are you to think you can come back and immediately start winning?’
“I guess just being nicer to myself is a key thing that I learned in my time away.”
Osaka revelled in her return to Rod Laver Arena, the scene of her 2019 and 2021 Australian Open triumphs.
The Japanese star said she tapped her name on the Walk of Champions and was “grateful” to have once again played on Rod Laver Arena.
Osaka will next play in Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami but was ultimately thankful to have marked her return to tennis in Australia.
“I think I’ve learned a lot on this trip on and off the court and I think I also just played some really good people, like it’s a little unfortunate.
“I’m really sad because this outfit is really cool and you won’t see it again.”