Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka Preview & Prediction | 2024 Australian Open | First Round
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THE FACTS
When is Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka on and what time does it start? Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka will take place on Monday 15th January, 2024 – not before 10:00 (UK)
Where is Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka taking place? Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka being played on? Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka
What channel is Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka on in the UK? Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Caroline Garcia vs Naomi Osaka live on their website
THE LOWDOWN
Former world number one Naomi Osaka returned to tennis from a year-and-a-half absence to beat Tamara Korpatsch in straight sets at the Brisbane International last week, before losing to another former number one, Karolina Pliskova, in three tight sets. After becoming a mother for the first time the 26-year-old intends to return to the sport that has given, and taken, so much form her over the years with a new lease of life and it will be truly fascinating to see what she can do as one of the most powerful, naturally gifted and fearsome competitors the sport has ever seen. Osaka won two of her four Grand Slam titles here in Melbourne, beating Petra Kvitova in 2019 and Jennifer Brady in 2021, and she has a 100% winning record in major finals with her other two coming at the US Open (also on hardcourts) in 2018 and 2020.
THE PREDICTION
This is an incredible opening blockbuster offered up by the draw Gods in Melbourne, with former world number four Caroline Garcia both capable of upsetting the dream run here as much as facilitating it. The 30-year-old has dropped sets in all six of her singles matches so far this season, winning three and losing three, to look plum for the taking here in a match likely to be handed Rod Laver Arena – on which Osaka can be expected to flourish. It is too soon to put any pressure on Osaka’s return from a lengthy absence but a challenging opening draw against a talented but admittedly fallible star seems the perfect way to start the headlines rolling. Back Osaka to win, as she did against Garcia in the second round here back in 2021 en-route to her second Australian Open title.
TIP: NAOMI OSAKA TO WIN
