Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka said this year’s clay court swing feels different as she enters it with momentum and confidence following a run of victories.
Last week, Osaka beat Slovenian Kaja Juvan 6-1, 7-5 in the final of the L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo, a WTA 125 tournament, to win her first clay court title at any level. It was also her first WTA crown since becoming a mother in July 2023.
“I wanted to rack up experience on clay,” Osaka told reporters after defeating wild card Sara Errani 6-2, 6-3 in the first round of the Italian Open on Wednesday. “I didn’t really have too much of an ego playing that tournament.
“I’m okay playing on Court 16 if I have to anyways. The reason I came back wasn’t to play on center courts all the time, it’s because I really enjoy the game.”
Osaka said her decision to play in Saint-Malo was inspired by American great Andre Agassi, who rebuilt his career in the late 1990s by competing on the ATP Challenger Tour.
“I remember reading (Agassi’s) book,” she said. “There was a moment where ... he was saying he was flipping his own scoreboards. Someone came and yelled, ’Image is everything!’ I would say that section of the book crossed my mind more.”
The former world No. 1 has often struggled on clay, having never gone past the third round of the French Open, where she is set to play in the main draw this month.
“I’m coming into it with a lot more wins,” she said. “Obviously, I would say I’m a lot more comfortable on clay now ... I feel like clay is very strength-reliant.”
Osaka was set to face No. 9 seed Paula Badosa in the Italian Open on Thursday, but after the Spaniard withdrew due to injury, Osaka beat Swiss lucky loser Viktorija Golubic 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 for her seventh straight win on clay.
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