Osaka crashes out as Medvedev, Gauff power on at Australian Open

Japan’s Naomi Osaka takes part in a press conference after losing her women’s singles match on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2024. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)

Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka’s Grand Slam comeback ended at the first hurdle on Monday but US Open winner Coco Gauff and men’s third seed Daniil Medvedev surged on in Melbourne.

On a baking-hot day, men’s seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and women’s sixth seed Ons Jabeur also tasted first-round victory.

But Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova and veteran Andy Murray made early exits, with the British former world number one hinting he may not return.

Japanese star Osaka, 26, stepped away from the sport in September 2022, citing mental health concerns.

After giving birth to a baby girl in July, she decided to return for the new season and was back at the scene of her title-winning exploits in 2019 and 2021.

But she was unable to rediscover her championship-winning form against 16th-seeded Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia after just two competitive games in Brisbane since returning.

“I thought it was a really good match for me. I thought I just did the best I could possibly do. And it was really nice to be on Rod Laver again,” said Osaka.

“These past couple of weeks, I’m grateful for them. I don’t regret anything. I think I have learned a lot from this trip, both on the court and off the court.”

Medvedev battled tough conditions on Margaret Court Arena against French qualifier Terence Atmane, who smashed his racquet, served underarm and retired in tears after suffering bad cramping that forced him off court while losing 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 1-0.

“When I started to feel tough physically he started cramping, so it was brutal