Naomi Osaka, who was eliminated in her return to a Grand Slam on Monday, six months after giving birth to her daughter, described herself as "on her heels and hesitant".
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I think it was a really good game. I did the best I could. It was really nice to be back on Rod Laver Arena," said the former world No.1 and four-time Grand Slam winner, despite losing 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) to Caroline Garcia.
«I could have done a little better with my groundstrokes," she continued. I was constantly on my heels and hesitant. Maybe it's because I haven't played a match for a while. I was thinking a little too much about what to do. I think it will come with time. But for now, it sucks.»
I have to remember that six months ago I was pregnant. Of course, there's a voice in my head that says, "Who are you to imagine coming back and immediately starting to win matches?" But somewhere I still expect to get my chance
Naomi Osaka
Does her comeback, which began at the beginning of January, after fifteen months out of the circuit, look like what she imagined?
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I wouldn't say 'that' because I'm crazy enough to think I could have won the tournament. I think it's this illusion that allows me to win tournaments," she said with a smile. "I guess I just need to keep training hard every day and play a lot more games, and hopefully my dreams will come true.
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Of course, I have to remember that six months ago I was pregnant. Of course, there's a voice in my head that says, +Who are you to imagine coming back and immediately starting to win matches?+ But somewhere I always expect to get my chance," Osaka added.
With her Australian Open already over, the 26-year-old Japanese plans to play in "Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami, Charleston, and probably the full clay court season."