Naomi Osaka First Title in Four Years at WTA 125 Saint Malo
Naomi Osaka is celebrating her first title win in four years at the WTA 125 event in Saint-Malo, France. This victory marks Naomi Osaka’s first title on clay. The four-time Grand Slam winner claimed her maiden clay-court victory. She overcame Kaja Juvan in straight sets, 6-1, 7-5, in the final.
Osaka’s Journey to the WTA 125 Title in Saint Malo
This victory marks a major milestone in Osaka’s comeback journey. The No. 2 seed breezed through the tournament, defeating a trio of French opponents—Leolia Jeanjean, Elsa Jacquemot, and Diane Parry. Naomi Osaka’s first title in four years came without dropping a set on her way to victory. This marked her dominance in the tournament. While Osaka didn’t face any opponent ranked inside the Top 100, the win on clay provides her with the confidence she needs. This comes after returning to tennis post-maternity leave.
The win is especially significant given that it’s Osaka’s first trophy since the 2021 Australian Open. It’s also her first ever on clay. “It’s kind of ironic to win my first trophy back on the surface that I thought was my worst,” Osaka shared on X. “There’s always room to grow and evolve, and that’s one of my favorite things about life.”
Naomi Osaka’s Return to the WTA Top 50
This victory in Saint-Malo will propel Osaka back into the WTA’s Top 50. Naomi Osaka’s first title in four years is pivotal, especially after a challenging period of injury and maternity leave. The win also marks a fresh chapter in her post-maternity return to the tour. Osaka gave birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023. Since then, her return to tennis has been motivated by the desire to show her daughter the world and play for her.
In an emotional statement, Osaka reflected on how motherhood has changed her approach to tennis: “I feel more like I’m playing for her,” she said in 2023.
Coach Patrick Mouratoglou on Osaka’s Comeback
Osaka’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, emphasized the importance of building match fitness. This need arose after a string of injuries and extended breaks. “She really needs to play matches,” Mouratoglou said in an interview with Tennis Channel. “For the last six to eight months, she’s been injured a lot, so she hasn’t been able to play enough. Winning Naomi Osaka’s first title was a crucial step, so we decided to play a smaller tournament this week to build momentum. Saint-Malo was perfect for that.”
Next Steps in 2025
Following her win at the WTA 125 Saint Malo, Osaka is set to compete at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. This is a prestigious WTA 1000 event in Rome. Securing her first title four years after returning is just the beginning. This tournament, beginning on May 6, will be another opportunity for Osaka to continue her comeback. Additionally, she aims to further climb the rankings.
For more on Naomi Osaka’s journey back to the top, check out her latest updates and matches.
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