Naomi Osaka kick-started her 2025 season in style at the ASB Classic. She reached her first final since 2022, marking a significant achievement in her comeback journey. However, her incredible comeback was cut short after the first set in the final. She won that set by 6-4 against Denmark’s Clara Tauson, but after that, she had to pull out of the Auckland final due to an abdominal injury. After seeing that, her fans were a bit concerned about her participation at the AO. Erasing all those concerns, recently she gave out a message to all her fans and even rivals by saying that she’s ready to bounce back from that setback in Auckland. 

Previously during an interview, her new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou revealed that, “She’s extremely motivated to come back and win grand slams.” Naomi Osaka’s last Grand Slam success came way back at the 2021 AO, where she defeated America’s Jennifer Brady in the final by 6-4,6-3. Can he make a similar run in this year as well? We have to wait a bit to get this answer but she looked quite confident during the recent press conference at the 2025 AO.

During the press conference, a journalist asked her to share the results of her MRI scan and talk about how’s she feeling now after that injury in Auckland. In reply to that question, the two-time AO champion said, “Well, I’m normally a really honest person, but I probably won’t answer your question honestly (smiling). But, I mean, the MRI, it wasn’t fantastic but it wasn’t bad at the same time. So saying all that, I’m pretty optimistic about playing my match. I mean, for sure I’m going to play my match. Yeah, I’ve been practicing pretty well for the two days that I’ve been here, so… Seems to be going good.”

So, physically fine and in a clear mindset, Naomi Osaka is confident of starting at the 2025 AO. However, she has been yet again handed a tough draw in a vital competition. If Naomi Osaka wins her first match against her familiar opponent, Caroline Garcia, then she might face the Czech tennis star, Karolina Muchova, in the second round. In the third round and fourth round, there is a higher chance of her facing Jelena Ostapenko and Coco Gauff, respectively. 

Now, suppose Naomi Osaka overcomes all these hurdles comfortably, who’ll be her opponents in the next few rounds? Well, fasten your seatbelts, because if she makes it to the QF she has a chance of facing either Jessica Pegula or Paula Badosa in the QF. Then in the semis, she might have to face the defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka before trying her luck against someone like Iga Swiatek in the final.

Although her fans looked a bit worried about her chances in this mega event, Naomi Osaka has already sent a big warning by reminding everyone, “I feel like I’ve learned that throughout the course of 2024 and I guess Auckland as well. Yeah, I would say I am a little bit of a different person now, hopefully.” Time will tell if we can see the vintage Osaka in the 2025 AO or not! However, her first-round clash is pretty interesting, isn’t it? Last year, Caroline Garcia defeated her by 6-4, 7-6(2) in the R128. What did both the players say about this enticing encounter?

“Respect her a lot” – Naomi Osaka shares her thoughts on her familiar opponent ahead of their first-round match at the AO

Naomi Osaka has faced Caroline Garcia four times in their career. Osaka had the last laugh in their first meeting at the 2021 AO. However, Garcia came back with a win against the same opponent, three years later at the same tournament! Last season, they even played against each other in Doha and Miami. Currently, their H2H record is well poised at 2-2, so it’ll be interesting to see who takes the first set forward in their fifth meeting.

In a previous interview Naomi Osaka was heard saying, “My goal now, I think to be seeded in Australia. I would really love that. I would love to avoid Caroline Garcia (smiling). Yeah, just being seeded. But not putting too much pressure on myself. I’m just trying to take it day by day.” However, recently during the press conference at the 2025 AO, Naomi Osaka was spotted reflecting a bit about their relationship that has grown over the years through these meeting during the Tour.

She said, “I would say my relationship with her, it’s definitely grown a lot. I can’t say, like, we’re BFFs. I really respect her a lot. I feel the same energy coming from her. I also like the fact that we were born on the same day, so we have the same birthdays. I can’t ever have bad blood with a fellow Libra.” What did Caroline Garcia say about this draw? Well, the French superstar recently came up with a tweet saying, “New year, same draw 🔥 💣 @AustralianOpen This is starting to be a classic @naomiosaka 😂.” So, the stage is set and the players are ready! Who do you think will win this epic first-round battle on Super Sunday?