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Failed in the third round: The Japanese Naomi Osaka says goodbye to the Australian Open
Photo: JASON O'BRIEN / EPA
Naomi Osaka, who only returned to the tennis circuit in January after her break due to depression, was eliminated in the third round of the Australian Open.
Despite leading the set, the Japanese lost 6: 4, 3: 6, 6: 7 (5:10) to the American Amanda Anisimova in the third round.
With the score at 5: 4 in the third set, Osaka, who had triumphed in Melbourne in 2019 and 2021, missed two match points.
Former number one Osaka only returned to the tour in January after her tearful farewell at the US Open and a subsequent four-month break.
The 24-year-old, who lit the fire at the Tokyo Olympics, had already reported depression last summer.
No duel with title favorite Barty
Due to Osaka's defeat, the duel with Australian title hopeful Ashleigh Barty in the round of 16 will be avoided.
Having previously underscored her strong form with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Italy's Camila Giorgi, she is now battling former French Open semifinalist Anisimova, 20, for a place in the quarterfinals.
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