Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 14, 2025 Japan's Naomi Osaka celebrates winning her first round match against France's Caroline Garcia REUTERS/Edgar Su
MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Twice champion Naomi Osaka avenged last year's loss to Caroline Garcia at the Australian Open on Monday but admitted it was difficult to focus on the match considering her home is in danger of being burnt down by the wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles.
Osaka, champion in 2019 and 2021, went out in the opening round to Garcia on her return last year following a maternity break, but came out on top 6-3 3-6 6-3 against the Frenchwoman this time around.
