French Open 2025: Naomi Osaka ‘enjoying’ battle to get back to top | Tennis News
Former world number one Naomi Osaka is preparing for her French Open campaign at Roland Garros, expressing optimism about her tennis comeback after returning to the world’s top 50. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who took a break in 2023 for the birth of her daughter, has shown promising signs of form in 2024, including a near-victory against eventual winner Iga Swiatek.Osaka secured her first tournament victory since the 2021 Australian Open at a second-tier Challenger event in Saint-Malo this month. She has also made significant progress in major competitions, advancing to the last 16 at both the Miami and Italian Opens.“I think I’m enjoying the time more. I’m enjoying seeing the newer players coming up. I don’t know. Feels like the circle of life a little bit,” Osaka said at Roland Garros on Saturday.“I think for me I know that I came back and I’m choosing to spend this time away from my daughter in order to attempt to achieve things, so I have to make the most out of that time. Coming here or playing any tournament without a positive mentality would just be pointless.”
The Japanese star, who has been open about her struggles with depression and mental health, addressed her decision to compete in the Saint-Malo Challenger event.“I think the decision itself was kind of difficult, because in your mind, you do have a little bit of pride. There was a lot of pressure. I wouldn’t really say it was to not lose, but it was more like I had in the back of my head, ‘I wonder what people would say about me if I lost here’. Granted, I should never be thinking about that when I’m playing a tennis match… But I got over it.” Quiz: Who’s that IPL player?Osaka’s French Open preparations faced an early challenge with a 5:00 am anti-doping test on Saturday. She shared her experience with the unexpected wake-up call.“Today was kind of scary, because the last year I was here they also came at 5:00 am, and the lady couldn’t find my veins at all. I had huge bruises on my arms for a while. Thankfully it wasn’t the same lady. No shade to her.”The 27-year-old player will face Spanish 10th seed Paula Badosa in the first round. She has never progressed beyond the third round at the French Open.“It’s kind of crazy that we have both been on tour but we haven’t played each other yet. I think I’m going to be nervous because it is the first round, and I’m always nervous in the first round. Hopefully they’ll put us on a really good court.”Osaka revealed her excitement about wearing flower-inspired outfits at Roland Garros, including cherry blossom-themed shoes.“I’m really excited about the kit, because I designed it. I don’t know if you can see from all the way over here, but I did my nails and they’re sakura-themed too.”The match against Badosa is scheduled for either Monday or Tuesday at Roland Garros.
