In an unforgettable moment at the 2025 French Open, Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, turned heads during her first-round match against Paula Badosa on May 26 at Roland Garros’ Court Philippe-Chatrier. In a scene that blended the quirky with the competitive, Osaka called for a medical timeout after winning a tightly contested first set 7-6(1), only to use the break to trim her cherry blossom-themed nails, sparking amusement and chatter among fans and commentators alike. The unusual pause, prompted by discomfort from her meticulously designed nails, added a lighthearted twist to a match that ultimately saw Badosa stage a comeback to win 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4 in two hours and 21 minutes. This moment, paired with Osaka’s vibrant performance and fashion-forward presence, made for one of the tournament’s most memorable early highlights.
Osaka, ranked No. 49, entered the match in a stunning pink Nike ensemble, complete with a sleeveless dress, floral hair ties styled in double buns, and matching cherry blossom nail art that reflected her Japanese heritage. Her outfit, a nod to French Baroque floral designs, was complemented by custom Nike GP Challenge 1 shoes in a “Pink Foam” colorway, showcasing her flair for merging fashion with athleticism. The match began with Osaka’s aggressive baseline game and powerful serve—reaching speeds up to 125 mph—overwhelming Badosa in a first-set tiebreak where she dropped just one point. However, the long nails, part of her sakura-themed aesthetic, became an unexpected hindrance. “Since Rome, I have had blisters on my hands. I think it’s from the friction of clay, because I don’t have blisters on any other surface,” Osaka later explained, noting the physical toll of the clay courts. During the medical timeout, as the physio taped her blistered finger, Osaka took matters into her own hands, clipping a nail that was interfering with her grip. Commentator Laura Robson remarked, “I can’t imagine this happens too often on the tour where the nails are just too long. It’s a pain if you’ve got long nails and you’re trying to fix your strings after every point.”
The lighthearted moment, captured in viral clips, drew a mix of reactions from fans. Some found it endearing, with one commenting online, “Naomi Osaka cutting her nails on court is a MOOD,” while another quipped, “Fashion first, I guess.” Yet, the pause didn’t derail Osaka’s focus initially. She saved a set point at 6-5 in the first set, showcasing her resilience before dominating the tiebreak. However, Badosa, inspired by a bronze plaque of Rafael Nadal’s footprint near the court, roared back. “I have to say that when I was 7-6 down, the first thing I did was to look over there,” Badosa said, referencing Nadal’s legacy. “I’m like, ‘Come on Paula, you have to fight like he was.’ Thanks Rafa. We really miss you.” Badosa won the first five games of the second set, leveling the match at 6-1 as Osaka’s blisters and reduced grip took their toll.
The third set was a battle of wills. Osaka surged to a 2-0 lead, but Badosa’s defensive mastery and precise forehands turned the tide. A critical break in the seventh game and a 14-point service hold at 4-3 sealed Badosa’s victory, her 27 winners and just 12 unforced errors in the final two sets highlighting her clay-court prowess. “Honestly, it’s not fair to play her first round,” Badosa said of Osaka. “She’s a player I respect a lot, what she did on and off court. I love her tennis. But I’m really happy with the level, especially coming from an injury.”
Osaka, emotional in her press conference, reflected on the loss: “As time goes on, I feel like I should be doing better. I hate disappointing people.” Her 2025 season, marked by a WTA 125 title in Saint-Malo and a return to the top 50 after a 2023 maternity break, showed promise, but clay remains her toughest surface. Despite the defeat, Osaka’s nail-clipping moment and vibrant presence underscored her unique ability to captivate, blending resilience, style, and humanity on one of tennis’ grandest stages.
# Osaka’s Nail-Trimming Moment at French Open 2025
## A Memorable First-Round Clash
On May 26, 2025, Naomi Osaka faced Paula Badosa in a dramatic first-round match at Roland Garros. Osaka won the first set 7-6(1) but fell 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4 after Badosa’s comeback in a 2-hour, 21-minute battle.
## The Viral Timeout
After the first set, Osaka called a medical timeout to address blisters and trim her cherry blossom-themed nails, which were hindering her grip. She explained:
> “Since Rome, I have had blisters on my hands. I think it’s from the friction of clay, because I don’t have blisters on any other surface.”
Commentator Laura Robson noted:
> “I can’t imagine this happens too often on the tour where the nails are just too long. It’s a pain if you’ve got long nails and you’re trying to fix your strings after every point.”
## Osaka’s Fashion Statement
Osaka’s pink Nike outfit, featuring a sleeveless dress, floral hair ties, and sakura-themed nails, reflected her Japanese heritage. Her custom Nike GP Challenge 1 shoes in “Pink Foam” added flair, but the long nails caused issues, prompting the mid-match trim.
## Match Dynamics
– **First Set**: Osaka saved a set point at 6-5 and dominated the tiebreak with 17 winners and four aces.
– **Second Set**: Badosa surged, winning 6-1 as Osaka’s blisters impacted her play.
– **Third Set**: Osaka led 2-0, but Badosa broke in the seventh game and held a 14-point service game to win 6-4, finishing with 27 winners.
## Badosa’s Inspiration
Badosa drew strength from Rafael Nadal’s footprint plaque:
> “I have to say that when I was 7-6 down, the first thing I did was to look over there. I’m like, ‘Come on Paula, you have to fight like he was.’ Thanks Rafa. We really miss you.”
She praised Osaka:
> “Honestly, it’s not fair to play her first round. She’s a player I respect a lot, what she did on and off court. I love her tennis. But I’m really happy with the level, especially coming from an injury.”
## Osaka’s Reflection
Osaka, emotional post-match, said:
> “As time goes on, I feel like I should be doing better. I hate disappointing people.”
## A Lasting Impression
Despite the loss, Osaka’s nail-trimming moment and vibrant presence captivated fans, with comments like “Naomi Osaka cutting her nails on court is a MOOD” and “Fashion first, I guess” trending online. Her 2025 clay season, including a Saint-Malo title, shows progress, but Roland Garros remains a challenge.
Naomi Osaka makes a fashion statement 🌸 pic.twitter.com/GYNGZNBGAK
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) May 26, 2025
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