Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from French Open due to mental health issues, is now ’embracing’ playing on clay after solid win in Madrid

Naomi Osaka wins her first clay match since 2022, as she remains empathetic about her clay court season. 

Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from French Open due to mental health issues, is now ’embracing’ playing on clay after solid win in Madrid

Naomi Osaka (Via Imago)

Japanese pro Naomi Osaka is back to winning ways at the clay courts. This was only her second match on clay after two years.

Playing at the Mutua Madrid Open, Osaka was up against Greet Minnen in the first-round match. An easy win for the Japanese, who asserted dominance throughout the match. In the end, it was a 6-4, 6-1 win for Osaka, who is embracing the clay courts and hopes to be better. 

YouTube video

Osaka, who grew up playing hard courts, often struggles during this phase of the season. With not many trophies to show her clay court progress, Osaka returns in two years to get a new understanding of the courts and change her fortunes. 

FS Video
I'm embracing it (clay) a lot more now. I feel there's definitely beauty to it. I'm taking a lot of inspiration from people that do very well here. I'm not expecting to be like Iga or something but I just wanna do the best with what I have.
Said Naomi Osaka in the post-match conference

With that being said, it seems like although the WTA beauty does not aspire to become as good as Iga Swiatek, she wants to do her best to make the most of her time on clay. In 79 minutes, she got past the lucky loser and will now play in the next round in Madrid. 

Noami Osaka sets a big goal for the Olympics and wants to get better on clay before the games

Mental health advocate Naomi Osaka has made a return to the European clay courts after two years. Despite a bad start, the Japanese ace managed to get her first win on clay since 2022. 

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka (Via Imago)

After the match, Osaka gave a small self-report, praising her forehand and drop shots. She felt that she hit a couple of heavy balls and had great movement.

Ultimately, Osaka aims to get better for the upcoming Olympics, which will take place in Paris. Notably, this is a huge opportunity for the Japanese, who will now face Liudmila Samsonova in the second round in Madrid. All eyes will be on her throughout the tournament. 

In Case You Missed It: