Naomi Osaka looks to turn the tide at the upcoming French Open following a promising Italian Open campaign. The Japanese recently arrived in Paris and soon engaged in an intense practice session with coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
Naomi Osaka Gears Up for French Open with Focused Training alongside Patrick Mouratoglou
The 2025 clay-court swing has brought Osaka a blend of challenges and breakthroughs for Osaka. Though her first-round defeat in Madrid was disheartening, she turned things around with an impressive performance at a WTA 125 event in Saint-Malo.
The former World No. 1 got past Petra Marcinko, Diane Parry, Elsa Jacquemot, and Leolia Jeanjean before defeating Kaja Juvan in the final to win her first title of any kind since the Australian Open in 2021.
After this run, Osaka progressed steadily at the Italian Open, notching wins over Sara Errani, Viktorija Golubic, and Marie Bouzková before falling to eventual semifinalist Peyton Stearns in the fourth round. Despite a determined effort, the Japanese star narrowly lost 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(7) to the American.
Nevertheless, Osaka seemed to get over her Italian Open heartbreak as she turned her attention to the forthcoming French Open. The four-time Major champion hit the clay courts for an intense practice session, with her coach Patrick Mouratoglou observing her shots from behind.
Fresh off her first clay-court title and hungry for more 🧱🇯🇵#RolandGarros | @naomiosaka pic.twitter.com/BlNQYzfvhQ
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros)
Naomi Osaka Made Waves by Almost Defeating Iga Swiatek at French Open 2024
Last year’s French Open will also be remembered for the spirited challenge Osaka posed to then two-time defending champion Iga Świątek in the second round. After defeating Lucia Bronzetti in the opener, the Japanese star came close to a major upset, holding a match point on serve at 5-3.
However, Świątek produced a fine comeback on Court Philippe Chatrier to clinch a 7-6(1), 1-6, 7-5 victory. Speaking to reporters after the match, Osaka said she was proud of her performance and called the battle against the Pole a memorable experience.
“Probably the most fun match that I have played [since her comeback] so far. It just felt really incredible, the atmosphere, and how fun I guess everyone in the crowd was having, too. It was definitely very memorable for me,” she said.
“I kind of realize I was watching Iga win this tournament last year, and I was pregnant. It was just my dream to be able to play her. When I kind of think of it like that, I think I’m doing pretty well,” she added.
Naomi Osaka turned out to be the only player who put up any sort of fight against Iga Świątek at last year’s French Open, as the Pole won all of her other matches at the tournament in straight sets en route to a third successive title.
