Naomi Osaka defeated Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan 6-1, 7-5 in the final to win L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo, her first title of any kind since the 2021 Australian Open. The Japanese shared a poignant message online following her triumph, with her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, praising her later in the comments.
Naomi Osaka Shares an Emotional Message Following WTA 125 Event Win, Receives Praise From Coach Patrick Mouratoglou
After suffering a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of Lucia Bronzetti at the Madrid Open last week, Osaka entered the WTA 125 event in Saint-Malo as a wildcard. The 27-year-old defeated Petra Marcinko, Diane Parry, Elsa Jacquemot, and Leolia Jeanjean before outfoxing Juvan in the final to win her first title on clay.
Osaka shared an emotional message on Instagram following her triumph at the WTA 125 event, calling it “ironic” to win her first title on clay. The Japanese described the journey as turbulent and thanked those who accompanied her.
“Kinda ironic to win my first trophy back on the surface that I thought was my worst. That’s one of my favorite things about life though, there’s always room to grow and evolve. Thanks to everyone accompanying me on this journey, I know it’s turbulent but it’s also really fun and I’m grateful,” she wrote.
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Osaka’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, who joined her last September after her abrupt split with Wim Fisette, later expressed pride in her achievement.
“I am so proud of you! 🏆,” he wrote in the comments.
The four-time Major champion will rise to No. 48 in the WTA rankings on Monday, May 5.
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Osaka is set to compete at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, Italy, marking her fifth appearance. Her previous appearances at the event came in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2024.
Osaka exited the WTA 1000 event in the fourth round last year. She defeated Clara Burel 7-6, 6-1 in the first round, Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-2 in the second, and Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 6-3 in the third. However, China’s Zheng Qinwen convincingly defeated her 6-2, 6-4 in the fourth round.
The former World No.1 will be joined by reigning Madrid Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, defending champion Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula, among others, in Rome. The WTA 1000 event will run from May 6 to May 18.
FFS… Stop with the nonsense.
Being in that 125 was like Babe Ruth playing Designated Hitter in Little League baseball.