Naomi Osaka, the 27-year-old Japanese tennis superstar and four-time Grand Slam champion, has added a new chapter to her inspiring comeback story. On May 4, 2025, she clinched her first-ever clay court title at the WTA 125 L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo, defeating Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan 6-1, 7-5 in a commanding yet hard-fought final. This victory marks Osaka’s first tournament win since the 2021 Australian Open, her first as a mother, and a significant milestone on a surface she once considered her weakest. The triumph in Saint-Malo, a charming coastal town in France, not only boosts her confidence but also propels her back into the WTA top 50, landing at No. 48.
Osaka’s journey to the Saint-Malo title was born out of a strategic decision to regroup after a disappointing start to her 2025 clay season. A first-round loss to Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti at the Madrid Open (6-4, 2-6, 6-4) left Osaka grappling with self-doubt. “I wouldn’t wish what goes on in my brain to my worst enemy,” she shared on social media, revealing the mental toll of her struggles. Yet, her resilience shone through. Accepting a late wildcard into Saint-Malo, her first WTA 125 event since 2015, Osaka sought to rebuild her rhythm on clay under the guidance of coach Patrick Mouratoglou. “She really needs to play matches,” Mouratoglou emphasized, noting that injuries had limited her court time over the past year.
The Saint-Malo draw was no cakewalk. Osaka kicked off her campaign with a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Croatia’s Petra Marcinko, showcasing her trademark power with eight aces and an 81% first-serve point win rate. She then faced a trio of French players: Diane Parry, Elsa Jacquemot, and Leolia Jeanjean. Her second-round clash with Parry tested her resolve, as she battled back from a set down to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Against Jacquemot, Osaka secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory, and in the semifinals, she overcame Jeanjean 6-2, 4-6, 6-0. These wins marked her first four consecutive clay-court victories, a feat that underscored her growing comfort on the surface.
In the final, Osaka dominated the opening set against Juvan, a former top-60 player now ranked No. 515, breaking her four times to claim it 6-1. The second set was a different story. Juvan surged to a 4-2 lead and held two break points for a double break, threatening to force a decider. But Osaka’s mental fortitude and powerful groundstrikes turned the tide. She clawed back, saving crucial points and seizing three match points at 6-5 to seal the 7-5 set and the title after 1 hour and 23 minutes. “Kinda ironic to win my first trophy back on the surface that I thought was my worst,” Osaka reflected on social media. “That’s one of my favorite things about life though, there’s always room to grow and evolve.”
This victory is more than a trophy—it’s a testament to Osaka’s evolution. Since returning to the WTA Tour in 2024 after giving birth to her daughter in July 2023, she has faced injuries, inconsistency, and the challenge of rediscovering her elite form. Her 14-5 record in 2025, including a final in Auckland and a fourth-round run in Miami, hints at her potential. The Saint-Malo title, her eighth career singles crown and second at the WTA 125 level, adds to her illustrious resume, which includes two Australian Open and two US Open titles.
For Osaka, a former world No. 1 who lit the Olympic cauldron at Tokyo 2020, this win is a stepping stone toward loftier goals. She has openly expressed her desire to complete a career Grand Slam by conquering the French Open and Wimbledon. With the Italian Open in Rome (May 7-18) and Roland Garros (May 25-June 8) on the horizon, her Saint-Malo success provides momentum. “I’m very motivated because I feel her motivation to come back and do great things again,” Mouratoglou said, praising her improved practice and hunger for progress.
Osaka’s triumph also resonated beyond the court. Fans on social media celebrated her milestone as a mother and her defiance of expectations on clay. “Thanks to everyone accompanying me on this journey, I know it’s turbulent but it’s also really fun,” she wrote, acknowledging the ups and downs. For Juvan, the final was a commendable achievement, boosting her ranking by 159 spots. But the spotlight belongs to Osaka, whose Saint-Malo victory is a powerful reminder of her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering drive to evolve.
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