Updated On: 24 May, 2022 09:28 AM IST | Paris | AFP
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, was knocked out 5-7, 4-6 by Amanda Anisimova—the same player who ended the Japanese star’s title defence at the Australian Open this year

Naomi Osaka returns to USA’s Amanda Anisimova. Pics/ Getty Images
Former World No.1 Naomi Osaka and defending champion Barbora Krejcikova lost in the first round of the French Open on Monday, while women’s title favourite Iga Swiatek stretched her winning streak to 29 matches. The unseeded Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, was knocked out 5-7, 4-6 by Amanda Anisimova—the same player who ended the Japanese star’s title defence at the Australian Open this year.
An error-plagued Osaka served up eight double faults and committed 29 unforced errors on her return to Roland Garros, after withdrawing in 2021 when she refused to honour mandatory media commitments before revealing she had been suffering from depression. “I thought I tried really hard, and I just feel like it was a bit unfortunate because I wasn’t able to play as many matches leading into this tournament,” said Osaka.