The Japanese Naomi Osaka won her first title at a WTA tournament since her triumph to the Australian internationals in 2021 – on what seems to be the surface she likes the least.
Osaka defeated Kaja Juvan 6-1, 7-5 Sunday in the Open 35 final of Saint-Malo-a WTA 125 category tournament-and collected a first career title on clay.
For Osaka, four times champion in Grand Chelem tournaments, this is also a first title to a WTA tournament since the birth of her first child in July 2023. She returned to the circuit at the start of the following year.
Former number one in the world, Osaka will rise to 48th in the new publication of WTA rankings on Monday.
“It is rather ironic that I harvest my first trophy on the surface that I thought I was my worst,” wrote Osaka on X. “This is one of the things that I love most, however in life; There is always room to grow and evolve. »»
“Thank you to all the people who accompany me in this adventure. I know it’s turbulent, but it’s also really fun and I am grateful. »»
In a career, Osaka has two titles to the Australian internationals and as much to the United States in the United States. However, it displays a poor file to the French internationals, the only Grand Slam tournament held on clay. In 2021, she withdrew from the event before the second round to take care of her mental health.
Aged 27, Osaka started its 2025 campaign on clay with a defeat from the initial round of Madrid omnium a few weeks ago.
The internationals of France will begin on May 25.
