Naomi Osaka has never played her best tennis on the clay courts at the French Open.
The four-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t overcome the third round in any of her major appearances at Roland Garros.
There’s a combination of two things Osaka has going for her in this year’s tournament that she didn’t have in the past: Motherhood and confidence.
The 27-year old gave birth to her daughter in July 2023, then returned to competitive tennis in 2024. She said it initially “didn’t feel like I’m in my body.”
But a couple weeks ago, Osaka won her first tournament since becoming a mom.
She claimed the title of the L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo, an event in France.
And if that wasn’t enough for confidence, that tournament was played on clay.
“Kinda ironic to win my first trophy back on the surface that I thought was my worst,” Osaka wrote on X after her win.
MORE: Carlos Alcaraz comes to France after big moment
Clay courts are up next at Roland Garros, the most famous clay site in the tennis world.
“That’s one of my favorite things about life though, there’s always room to grow and evolve,” Osaka wrote after her tourney win. “Thanks to everyone accompanying me on this journey, I know it’s turbulent but it’s also really fun and I’m grateful.”
Osaka gets a tough draw, playing world No. 10 Paula Badosa in the first round.
U.S. great Andy Roddick predicts an Osaka win.
If she can get past the initial hurdle, her confidence will grow even higher in a way that could be dangerous for the rest of the French Open field.
MORE: Tom Brady planning a reported comeback from retirement
Read the full article here
