Naomi Osaka’s triumphant return to professional tennis reached a major milestone on Sunday as the former World No. 1 claimed her first title in four years, winning the WTA 125 tournament at L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo. In her first-ever clay-court final, Osaka delivered a commanding 6-1, 7-5 performance over Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan, lifting her first trophy since the 2021 Australian Open. The victory represents not only a significant personal accomplishment for Osaka, but also a symbolic resurgence in her career as she returns to competitive form after maternity leave and mental health breaks.
A Milestone Win on an Unfamiliar Surface
Despite her four major titles—all on hard courts—Osaka has historically struggled with clay, a surface that demands different footwork, patience, and strategic variation. This makes her success in Saint-Malo all the more significant. “Kinda ironic to win my first trophy back on the surface that I thought was my worst,” Osaka reflected on X (formerly Twitter) following her win. “That’s one of my favorite things about life though, there’s always room to grow and evolve.”
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Seeded second in the draw, Osaka faced a string of French opponents en route to the final, defeating Leolia Jeanjean, Elsa Jacquemot, and Diane Parry. She dropped just one set in the entire tournament, showcasing a new level of comfort and adaptability on clay. Her composed and powerful baseline game, backed by strong serving and improved footwork, helped her dominate matches despite not facing a top-100 opponent.
A Strategic Move After Madrid Setback
Osaka’s decision to enter Saint-Malo came on the heels of a frustrating three-set loss to Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti at the Madrid Open. That first-round exit prompted Osaka and her team to pivot quickly, accepting a last-minute wild card into the WTA 125 event—a step down in prestige, but a vital opportunity to gain match fitness, momentum, and confidence.
“We decided to play a smaller tournament this week,” her coach Patrick Mouratoglou told Tennis Channel 2’s Second Serve. “She really needs to play matches. For the last six to eight months she has been injured a lot, so unfortunately she hasn’t been able to play enough.”
The strategy proved effective. Saint-Malo gave Osaka valuable time on court under competitive conditions, without the pressure of facing top-tier opponents too early in her comeback. With five straight wins and a trophy in hand, Osaka now appears more prepared to re-enter the upper echelons of the sport.
Return to the Top 50: A Comeback Gaining Momentum
As a result of her title win, Osaka is projected to re-enter the WTA Top 50 rankings, marking another important step in her comeback journey. Her return from maternity leave in 2024 has been methodical and determined, reflecting not just a desire to win again, but to redefine herself as an athlete and as a mother.
“I’ve never been a person that’s really good for playing for myself, if that makes sense,” Osaka said last year. “I kind of like the responsibility and the feeling of having to take care of Shai and wanting to show her around the world. I feel more like I’m playing for her.”
Born in July 2023, Osaka’s daughter Shai has become a central motivation in her life, and her presence is felt in every post-match reflection and career decision. Balancing motherhood with the rigors of elite sport is no small feat, and Osaka’s ability to do so while returning to form speaks volumes about her resilience.
Clay-Court Season: From Preparation to Progress
Leading up to Saint-Malo, Osaka underwent three weeks of intensive clay-court training. Mouratoglou emphasized the importance of rebuilding physical strength and tactical precision on the slower surface. “We had three weeks of intensive practice on clay, so she is ready to play,” he told Second Serve.
This preparation laid the foundation for Osaka’s fluid movement, well-timed aggression, and improved defensive play during the tournament. Her semifinal run and final win displayed a growing comfort level with rallies, angles, and surface-specific shot selections—key elements for success on clay.
Her victory in Saint-Malo does not yet guarantee deep runs at larger tournaments like Roland Garros, but it positions her well for the next steps in the clay-court swing.
Looking Ahead: Eyes Set on Rome and Roland Garros
With the Saint-Malo title under her belt, Osaka is now set to compete at the WTA 1000 Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, which begins May 6. The event will be a significant test of her match-readiness, as it will feature a much deeper field and tougher opposition. Rome’s clay is known for being slightly faster than Roland Garros, which could benefit Osaka’s aggressive baseline game.
Should her form continue to improve, Osaka could enter the French Open with renewed confidence and an outside chance at a deep run. It would be a remarkable feat for a player who once dismissed her own clay-court abilities to achieve sustained success on the surface.
From Mental Health Breaks to Mental Fortitude
Osaka’s journey over the last few years has also been defined by her openness about mental health. After her withdrawal from the 2021 French Open and subsequent time away from the sport, Osaka became one of the most prominent voices in the athlete mental health conversation. Her transparency earned both admiration and scrutiny, but ultimately helped shift the dialogue around emotional well-being in high-performance sport.
Her return to tennis post-maternity represents a personal evolution as well as a professional comeback. There is a new maturity in her approach, both tactically and emotionally. Her gratitude for her team, her fans, and her own progress is evident in every statement she makes.
“Thanks to everyone accompanying me on this journey, I know it’s turbulent but it’s also really fun and I’m grateful,” she said on social media following her Saint-Malo win.
Conclusion: A Champion Returns with Perspective and Purpose
Naomi Osaka’s title run at the Saint-Malo WTA 125 is more than just another line on her resume—it’s a powerful statement of perseverance, adaptability, and growth. From a player once unsure of her place on clay to a mother redefining what it means to compete at the top level, Osaka is forging a new path forward in her career.
Her success in France is a reminder that resilience and reinvention are as much a part of sport as talent and timing. As she prepares for Rome and the rest of the clay-court season, one thing is certain—Naomi Osaka is no longer just playing for titles. She’s playing for legacy, and for something far more personal.
Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d’Italia
Start Date: May 6, 2025
Surface: Outdoor Clay
Location: Rome, Italy
