Garcia upbeat after defeat to Osaka: "For the first time in years, I've found peace on a tennis court"

Caroline Garcia's Australian Open adventure comes to an end in the first round.

In a match that was the same as last year's match against Naomi Osaka at the same stage in Melbourne, the Frenchwoman did not lose out in her return to competition, but it was the Japanese who had the last word (6-3, 3-6, 6-3).

On social networks, Garcia, 31, wrote a message thanking all those who had supported her.

"This is the way forward. While I couldn't win (bravo to Naomi and Patrick Mouratoglou, it's deserved) and defeat always hurts, I can only feel gratitude for several reasons.

For the first time in years, I found peace on a tennis court. I was really happy and comfortable to be back competing. It's a feeling I never thought I'd find again.

When I ended my season last year, I wasn't sure I'd ever be back on the circuit. But now I can say it with confidence: I'm back on the competitive circuit.

Yes, I lost in the first round, but how I lost, either tennistically or mentally, is the only thing that really counts.

I'm going to spend a few more days in Australia to get some rest before resuming training.

This is just the beginning, it's going to be a great season! Thank you all for your support. In the darkest days, it means a lot," wrote Caroline Garcia on X and Instagram.