Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka began her Australian Open campaign with a hard-fought victory over France’s Caroline Garcia. In a match that echoed their previous encounter at Melbourne Park, Osaka triumphed 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, avenging last year’s first-round loss to Garcia.
Looking ahead, Osaka is set to face 20th seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic. Muchova, who was the runner-up at the 2023 French Open before a ten-month hiatus due to wrist surgery, secured her place by defeating Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska 6-1, 6-1. Interestingly, Muchova had eliminated Osaka in the second round of last year’s U.S. Open, setting the stage for an intriguing rematch.
In other action, five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek dispatched the Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova 6-3, 6-4 in a match lasting just over an hour. Swiatek, returning from a one-month suspension after testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine, aims to put controversy behind her as she pursues her first Australian Open title. Her deepest run in Melbourne to date was a semifinal appearance in 2022.
“For sure, it wasn’t an easy first round, so I’m happy I got through,” Swiatek reflected after her win. “I felt like she was playing really well, and I knew I needed to be more proactive.”
Next up for Swiatek is Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova, who overcame a one-set deficit to defeat the USA’s Katie Volynets.
Third seed Coco Gauff of the USA continued her impressive form with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory over compatriot and former tournament champion Sofia Kenin. Gauff, who recently bested Swiatek in the United Cup final and claimed the season-ending WTA Finals title last November, is solidifying her status as a leading contender.
“I knew going in it was going to be difficult, but I’m happy with how I played,” Gauff said following her match against Kenin, who has slipped to No. 81 in the rankings after reaching a career-high fourth in 2020.
Reference(s):
Osaka, Swiatek, Gauff begin Australian Open campaigns with wins
cgtn.com
