The tennis player ranked 21st in the world has now suffered three consecutive defeats following her elimination in the first round of the Qatar Open in Doha.
Caroline Garcia and Naomi Osaka (image via IMAGO)
The decline in form of the player ranked 21st in the world continues to be evident on the Tour. Her most recent loss occurred at the WTA-1000 event in Qatar. The French player faced off against her opponent for the second time in a month.
Osaka sought revenge for her previous defeat and emerged victorious in this match with a score of 7-5, 6-4. This win marked the former world number one’s first victory against a top-30 player in almost two years. On the other hand, Garcia has now suffered three consecutive losses, with her early exit from the Melbourne Park tournament and her first-round defeat in Qatar.
Garcia experienced a resurgence in form towards the end of the 2022 season, which led to her qualification for the prestigious tournament. She then surprised everyone by winning the coveted title. Despite reaching two finals on the Tour in 2023, she has been unable to capture another championship since then, despite the heightened attention on her.
As she once again exits a tournament early this season, the former world number four opened up about how the perception of her has changed. She also discussed how her strategies are scrutinized when she loses, but praised when she wins. Additionally, she admitted to currently struggling with managing her nerves.
Garcia also expressed frustration with her inability to control her nerves, as it often leads to her forgetting everything she has learned over the past 15 years.
While Garcia has yet to win a singles Grand Slam title, it is often overlooked that she has achieved success in doubles, winning the title at the French Open in 2016 and again in 2022 alongside her compatriot.
The pair also reached the finals of the doubles tournament in 2016, but had to settle for second place. With the 2024 Olympics set to take place in Paris, expectations are rising for Garcia and her partner to win a medal on home soil, a topic she addressed.
With another early exit from a tournament on the Tour, Garcia will have ample time to prepare for the upcoming WTA-1000 event in Dubai. With a win-loss record of 5-5 so far this season, the French player will be eager to secure some victories.
According to the Source firstsportz.com