Caroline Garcia (30 years old, 20th in the world, opposed to Naomi Osaka in the 1st round of the Australian Open): “Playing on a big court, we don’t yet know which one… (We tell her it’s the Rod Laver Arena) Oh? At 19 ‘o clock ? No, second? That’s hot though. We expected it a little. Start there, well we don’t choose, neither the opponent, nor the programming. Is it easier in terms of managing emotions than against an opponent where I would be the favorite? No, it’s different. The matches where you are the favorite, your opponent has nothing to lose and you have the impression that as soon as you start to lose a few points, it’s over. There I know that I’m playing Naomi and that I have to do my match 100%, that I have to go and seize my opportunities, go get my match because she’s not going to give it to me. Even though she hasn’t played much lately, she still knows how to play tennis and if she’s playing here it’s because she feels ready.
“I have already had results in the past, I know my tennis is there”
I have only played it once (here in Melbourne in 2021, defeat 6-2, 6-3). What is quite obvious in all of her matches is that she is quite powerful and impactful. She uses her first serve ball a lot to take the lead and, a bit like Serena (Williams) was able to do, really put you in trouble with just one shot. That’s what struck me the most.
I’ve played quite a few matches since the start of the season. Interesting matches against different types of players, against Iga (Swiatek, defeat 4-6, 6-1, 6-1) or (Jelena) Ostapenko (defeat 6-4, 5-7, 6-4). They didn’t work out in my favor but there are two positive things to take. Against (Jasmine) Paolini too (victory 6-4, 5-7, 6-4) who gave me a lot of problems. I have already had results in the past, I know my tennis is there. Then you have to manage to do everything at the same time with your opponent, whether it’s Naomi or someone else. But these are very interesting matches to play, there will be a great atmosphere. »
