New Australian Open classic? Caroline Garcia laughs off facing Naomi Osaka again

Caroline Garcia shared a humorous reaction to drawing Naomi Osaka in the first round of the Australian Open for the second consecutive year. The 31-year-old French player took to social media with a lighthearted response to facing the same opponent again.

The Japanese star, a two-time Australian Open champion (2019, 2021), boasts a 24-6 record at the tournament (80%). Garcia, meanwhile, holds a 16-13 record in Melbourne, having reached the fourth round twice (2018, 2023).

Garcia laughs off tough AO draw

Their previous first-round encounter in 2024 was one of the tournament’s most intriguing matches. Garcia, seeded 16th at the time, faced former World No. 1 Osaka, who was returning to the WTA Tour after over a year away following the birth of her child.

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In a match dominated by powerful serving, Garcia claimed victory 6-4, 7-6. The former WTA Finals champion hit 13 aces and won 89% of points on her first serve, while Osaka recorded 11 aces and won 78% of her first-serve points. Despite the win, Garcia was eliminated in the second round by Magdalena Frech (4-6, 6-7).

This year, neither Garcia (No. 58) nor Osaka (No. 50) enters as a seeded player. The pair have faced off four times, starting with a second-round match at the 2021 Australian Open, which Osaka won en route to the title. In early 2024, Garcia won matches in Melbourne and Miami, while Osaka triumphed in Doha, leaving their head-to-head record tied at 2-2.

“New year, same draw 🔥💣 @AustralianOpen,” posted Garcia, a former World No. 4. “This is starting to be a classic @naomiosaka 😂.”

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