Naomi Osaka during her tense opening-round match against Paula Badosa at Roland Garros 2025. Image: ddp USA / Profimedia.
(The Post News)– Naomi Osaka’s return to Roland Garros ended in heartbreak on Monday, as she lost in three sets to Spain’s Paula Badosa, despite taking the opening set. The four-time Grand Slam winner edged the first set in a tiebreak but couldn’t maintain momentum, falling 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4 in a hard-fought opening round.
Osaka, who missed the 2023 season after giving birth, is still rebuilding her form. Now coached by Patrick Mouratoglou, former mentor to Serena Williams, Osaka recently won a lower-tier clay event and has re-entered the top 50. However, consistency remains elusive.
Reflecting on the loss, a visibly emotional Osaka admitted she puts pressure on herself not to let people down, including her coach. She said it felt strange knowing Mouratoglou once worked with one of the game’s greatest players and now finds himself coaching her through tough moments.
After taking a medical timeout to deal with a recurring blister, Osaka lost momentum as Badosa stormed through the second set. The Spaniard, back from injury, said she drew inspiration from Rafael Nadal’s engraved footprint on court, using his fighting spirit to rally to victory.
Osaka, 27, continues to push for a full return to top form.
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