Three years ago, in Melbourne for their first clash, Naomi Osaka left Caroline Garcia no chance, swept away in two sets (6-2, 6-3). The Japanese was then on her way to her fourth Grand Slam title. Nothing to do with their second meeting, Monday, in the first round of the Australian Open. Osaka, was back on the circuit sixteen months after giving birth to a little girl last July, and today 833rd in the world. The Frenchwoman (20th) then logically started as favorite and fully justified this status by winning in two sets (6-4, 7-6 [2]). A success attributable to the high quality of his match.
Determined to impose their own tempo, the two players constantly looked for flaws in the opposing defense. Both also served remarkably well, to the point that the second set did not see the slightest break point. But Garcia won the service battle (13 aces against 11) and posted impressive stats: 95% of points won behind his first ball and 71% behind his second. She hit 21 winners against only 11 unforced errors. A challenge when you know your very high-risk game.
The high point of her game was the decisive game of the second round, during which the Frenchwoman notably hit two aces and two winning forehands. A demonstration of strength and calm which allows her to face in the second round the Polish Magdalena Frech (72nd), victorious over the Australian wild card Daria Saville (6-7 [5]6-3, 7-5).
2024-01-15 12:20:22
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