Naomi Osaka spoke about the wildfires at the Australian Open (Image: Eurosport / Getty)
opened up about her family’s run-in with the Los Angeles wildfires following her opening-round victory at the .
Osaka came through unscathed from her opening-round match at the 2025 , defeating Caroline Garcia 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
But despite her triumphant start in Melbourne, Osaka’s attention was turned elsewhere, as she reflected on her preparation for the Open.
Commenting on the wildfires in LA, Osaka revealed: “I was watching the fire map and the fire is like three blocks from my house so I had someone go and get my daughter’s birth certificate and all that because I didn’t know what would happen if that burned down.
“Sending all my love to LA. I know we hear about fires but for me in particular, I didn’t know how devastating it could be. I just hope everyone is doing well and I’m sending them all my love.”
The fires in the Californian state are still causing devastation with the death toll having climbed to 25.
Back on the court, the Japanese ace will now take on Karolina Muchova in the second round, as Osaka targets round three of a Grand Slam for the first time since returning from maternity leave.
Commenting on her winning return to the , the two-time champion stated: “I feel like I grinded on the tour a little bit. It’s a really big coincidence that I’m playing here again but just tried to do my best.
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Naomi Osaka beat Caroline Garcia 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 (Image: Getty)
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“I know we played the night match here last time, as well. It felt a little familiar”
Osaka had ended 2024 on a high by reaching the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland – her first WTA Tour final appearance since the 2022 Miami Open.
Her hopes of victory were slashed midway through the contest though when she was forced to retire through injury.
Despite the untimely defeat, Osaka spoke positively about her chances at this year’s Open, stating pre-tournament: “I know I lost, debatably lost in the final.
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“In my head I kind of won it. For me, that’s definitely a new career stat because I’ve only ever been to the semis in tournaments before this one.
“I’m really excited to play here. I’m also excited to be here with Patrick because we technically haven’t lost yet. So yeah, it’s going to be a good run I think.”
Osaka will return for her clash against Muchova later this week.