“We’ll see how that’s gonna go,” Iga Swiatek wary of the challenge Naomi Osaka possesses ‘on clay’ as she sets up a second-round matchup against her at Roland Garros

Swiatek is scheduled to play Osaka on Wednesday.

“We’ll see how that’s gonna go,” Iga Swiatek wary of the challenge Naomi Osaka possesses ‘on clay’ as she sets up a second-round matchup against her at Roland Garros

Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka (via Imago)

World No.1 Iga Swiatek has expressed optimism ahead of facing Japanese star Naomi Osaka in their second-round clash at Roland Garros. The Polish star, dubbed by many as the ‘Queen of Clay,’ started her Roland Garros campaign after a convincing 6-1, 6-2 win over France’s Leolia Jeanjean.

In her post-match press conference, Swiatek appreciated Osaka’s tennis level. They will lock horns for the third time in their career and for the first time in over two years.

Really impressed. I think, you know, she's [Naomi's] a great person, and her game style is, you know, pretty fun to watch as well. I haven't actually played against Naomi obviously on clay, so we’ll see how that's gonna go. We need to prepare tactically, for sure.
Iga Swiatek said in the post-match press conference

The duo shares one win each against each other. Their first match was in the 2019 Canadian Open when Osaka won 7-6, 6-4. In their second and most recent match, Swiatek turned the tables on the former World No.1 with a 6-4, 6-0 scoreline. This will be their first match on clay.

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But all these matches that we played on hard court were always really intense and tough. So I'm just glad that she came back and she’s playing more tournaments even than before the break.. happy that she’s playing well.
Iga Swiatek added

Can Naomi Osaka pose a serious threat to Iga Swiatek?

This year’s Roland Garros has seen some fantastic early tussles. The men’s field dominated the first round in viewership as Stanislas Wawrinka faced Andy Murray, both three-time Grand Slam champions. In the most viewed match of the French Open so far, World No.4 Alexander Zverev took on 14-time champion Rafael Nadal.

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka (via Imago)

Now, the spotlight turns to the WTA. World No.1 Iga Swiatek is set to battle former World No.1 Naomi Osaka. The three-time Roland Garros champion is enjoying the form of her life, winning back-to-back Masters 1000 titles in Madrid and Rome.

On the other hand, Osaka seems to be gaining momentum after her 2023 hiatus. Despite multiple early exits earlier this year, she’s finding her form on the dirt. She secured her first win against a top-10 player in almost two years by defeating Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 6-3 in the Italian Open. Now, she’s building her Grand Slam momentum with a close three-set victory over Lucia Bronzetti.

However, Swiatek poses a whole different level of competition. Big-time players often elevate their game against the best, and that’s what Osaka must do to have a chance against the current World No.1.

The Japanese star has the power game to challenge Swiatek, but consistency is key. Winning the opening set is crucial for Osaka’s chances. If she falls behind, it could be a tough day for the four-time Grand Slam champion.

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