Naomi Osaka and Caroline Garcia have forged a rivalry that tennis enthusiasts didn’t know they needed—but now can’t get enough of. The former World No. 1 and the French powerhouse collided yet again in a blockbuster opening round of the 2025 Australian Open on 13th January. Osaka didn’t let her repeat last year’s disappointment when Garcia halted her Grand Slam return after maternity leave. Looks like the Frenchwoman is already ready with her revenge like last year!

This time, the four-time major winner prevailed in an epic showdown, clocking 1 hour and 45 minutes of grit and brilliance, finishing with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory. Yet Osaka’s momentum hit an unexpected roadblock when she retired midway through a third-round clash against fellow tennis mom Belinda Bencic, citing an abdominal muscle strain, leaving fans wondering: what’s next for the star?

The answer lies in WTA Doha, starting on 9th February. But before the courts light up there, Osaka’s AO Open first round opponent Garcia has made her presence felt with a cheeky remark. The French player shared a playful Instagram story which she teasingly captioned it: “I’m ready for my revenge in Doha 😂,” tagging Osaka and her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou.

That sly from a Frenchwoman might be a hint at an impending showdown in WTA Doha; after facing up eerily similar draws last year. She had a similar reaction after the AO Open 2025 draws, where Osaka and Garcia were pitted in 1st round; French tennis ace couldn’t help but react: “New year, same draw. This is starting to be a classic”, Garcia wrote on X, tagging Naomi Osaka and the Australian Open.

Australian Open 2025 wasn’t the isolated event for both players. For both of players? The last year draw was a feeling of It’s déjà vu—yet again! With three meetings over the past year, two of which were also in first-round encounters. Each clash felt like a highlight reel waiting to happen, and the stats don’t lie.

The journey began in January 2024, right here in Melbourne, where Garcia, ranked 16th at the time, secured a hard-fought victory over Osaka, 6-4, 7-6(2). A few weeks later, in Doha, Osaka turned the tide—straight-set win, 7-5, 6-4 win in the opening round. But Garcia wasn’t one to let the script remain unchanged.

By March, she turned the tide at the Miami Open, defeating Osaka, 7-6(4), 7-5, in their third round matchup. Revenge? Delivered. Now, the Australian Open 2025 first round saw Osaka taking one back.

But Garcia isn’t the only one that had her reaction facing Osaka too often. Osaka have had her reaction too, “Man, we’re friends at this point! We’re just, you know, work buddies. We see each other all the time. It’s funny. I just want to be seeded so I can just stop playing her, like…” Osaka said before Miami Open 3 round meeting last year. “She’s an amazing player. I know this. Every match we play is really difficult,” she further added.

Moving from court to off court; Noami Osaka who recently announced separation with rapper Cordae, has found a new way to cope with her recent breakup. Rather than seeking comfort in familiar clichés like ice creams and rom-coms, the tennis star is turning to hoops!

Naomi Osaka makes a bold move to the basketball court after splitting with Cordae

Osaka’s personal life changed earlier this month. She and rapper Cordae split up after six years together. Their relationship started in 2019. They became parents when their daughter, Shai, was born in July 2023.

Earlier this month, Osaka shared a heartfelt Instagram story which read,” Hi everyone, just wanted to say that Corde and I are no longer in a relationship. No bad blood at all, he’s a great person and an awesome dad. Honestly really glad our paths crossed because my daughter is my biggest blessing and I was able to grow a lot from our experiences together”

Naomi Osaka caught everyone’s eye at the Brooklyn Nets game on Wednesday night, 22 January, as she took in the fast-paced action. While the game didn’t turn out well for the Nets after they lost to the Phoenix Suns 108-84. Still, Osaka seemed to enjoy her time away from the court when she hung out with other stars like Keke Palmer and took a break after her third-round exit from the Australian Open.

Despite their split, the two remain committed to co-parenting Shai with mutual respect and harmony.