MELBOURNE, Jan 17, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Naomi Osaka said Wednesday that
crashing out of the Australian Open was "bittersweet" but vowed not to mope
as she headed home in time to see new baby Shai crawl for the first time.

The Japanese star, who has won four Grand Slams, including two in Melbourne,
stepped away from tennis in September 2022, citing mental health concerns.

After giving birth to a girl in July, she returned for the 2024 season only
to hit a roadblock at the first hurdle in the opening Grand Slam of the year
on Monday.

"I remember last year I wished I had an opportunity to play again on Rod
Laver Arena and this year that happened, so one of my dreams already came
true," she said on social media.

"Currently, however, my entire being is so disappointed with my result, the
standards I set myself are so incredibly high.

"I try to remind myself that I was pregnant six months ago and I can't expect
amazing results from the jump -- that doesn't really do much to quell my
thoughts though."

The rusty 26-year-old former world number one was knocked out by French 16th
seed Caroline Gracia, losing steam after going toe-to-toe at the start of the
match.

Despite her disappointment, Osaka said she was better able to deal with
defeat now than earlier in her career.

"Understanding the importance of time is a skill I improved on after having
Shai -- things that used to bother me don't bother me anymore, I don't have
time for it," she said.

"In that same aspect I don't feel I have time to mope after losses anymore.
The world moves on and I have to continue to walk forward."

Unlike some of the other mothers returning to the tennis circuit tour, such
as Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber, Osaka opted not to travel with
baby Shai.

But the early exit has allowed her to get back to her child sooner than
expected.

"It's a new bittersweet feeling. So sad to leave Melbourne early but I'm so
happy to go see Shai soon," she said.

"She's been scooting back and forth lately so I'm relieved I'll be back home
in time to see her first crawl."