Naomi Osaka’s relationship with Roland Garros has been complex and challenging. Despite entering the tournament with high hopes and momentum, she faced an early exit once again at the 2025 French Open. Osaka took a one-set lead against the No. 10 seed Paula Badosa but ultimately lost in a tough three-set match, reflecting her ongoing struggles on the red clay that has never felt quite right for her, given her background as a “hard-court kid.”
Osaka acknowledged the pain of her repeated setbacks, stating in a press conference that these losses hurt more now than they ever have, as she feels pressure to perform better. Her journey has been marked not only by the physical demands of the game but also by mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, which played a significant role in her decision to withdraw from the French Open in 2021.
This year, Osaka seemed close to turning a corner, having trained hard on clay with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who previously worked with the legendary Serena Williams. She recalled how the game has evolved during her time away, noting that many players now possess the ability to finish points with speed and power, shifting the landscape of women’s tennis.
Despite her disappointing result, there remains a silver lining. Osaka has shown resilience and growth throughout her comeback journey, building trust in her training regimen and her coach. As she prepares to transition to grass, she expressed a determination to improve and learn from her experience. The hope is that with each challenge, Osaka will continue to develop her game, regain her confidence, and find success on whichever surface lies ahead.
The ongoing support from fans and her dedication to her craft suggests that Osaka’s journey is far from over, and the best may still be yet to come.