Naomi Osaka’s comeback took an inspiring turn in Saint-Malo. After a tough return in 2024 and early 2025 setbacks with injuries and mixed results, she entered the L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo, a WTA 125 event in France. This strategic choice paid off as the four-time Grand Slam champion powered through the draw and beat Kaja Juvan 6-1, 7-5 in the final. This Challenger title was her first since maternity leave and her maiden clay-court trophy, earning praise from Andy Roddick.
It was a bold move for Osaka, now ranked 48th after once being No.1. Interestingly, Andre Agassi made a similar choice during his 1997-98 comeback. On the ‘SErved’ podcast (May 13), Roddick said, “I thought it was really cool that Naomi Osaka went down a level and played a 251 somewhere-that I can’t (the Open35 in France)-but goes and wins it and then referenced Andre in ‘97 or ‘90, whatever it was, and he’s flipping his own scoreboard the year after winning the Olympics. In a year and a half before he got back to number one in the world in Vegas, 140 something in the world, flipping his own scoreboard.”
Agassi’s career is legendary. He won eight Grand Slams, completing a career Grand Slam with titles at Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the French Open, and the US Open. With 60 singles titles from 90 finals and an 870-274 record, he was dominant. He first became World No. 1 in 1995 and again in 1996, but by 1997 his ranking had dropped to No. 141. “Everybody in the world was surprised except me,” Agassi had said. But instead of quitting, he dropped to the ATP Challenger Tour to start fresh and find new motivation.
Andre Agassi’s comeback was about reconnecting with tennis, not fame. He played several Challenger events, finishing runner-up in Las Vegas and winning the Burbank Challenger in 1997. His comeback was remarkable- by 1999, he reclaimed the No. 1 spot and earned ATP Year-End No. 1 honors. Today, Naomi Osaka seems to channel that Agassi spirit on her own comeback journey.
As Roddick pointed out, “I think you take a little bit of humble, and now she’s stepping it up, and she’s playing points on her terms again on a surface that doesn’t benefit her. I think it’s the best possible thing that she could have done.”
Her post-maternity return in July 2023 was a tapestry of struggle and resurgence. Despite early losses and injuries marring her comeback, she showcased her fighting spirit, playing 16 tournaments and reaching the 2024 China Open final. This comes after she once dominated the court.
Osaka once electrified the tennis world, soaring to World No. 1 after her consecutive Grand Slam triumphs at the 2018 US Open and 2019 Australian Open – a feat unmatched since Serena Williams in 2015. Holding the top spot for 21 weeks, her powerful game and focus were undeniable. With four Grand Slam titles to her name, Roddick’s admiration is clear: “Respect for putting ego aside.”
Now, strategically shifting gears, Osaka triumphed at the WTA 125K Saint-Malo, securing her first title since 2021 and first on clay. This victory boosted her ranking to No. 48, with a 14-5 Win-Loss record in 2025 across 7 tournaments.
She didn’t get past Rome’s Round of 16, but with the French Open near, her recent clay form is encouraging. She said so herself during the Italian Open!
Naomi gets candid about her confidence on clay ahead of Roland Garros
Naomi Osaka has never made it past the third round at Roland Garros, a surface that has long challenged her game. But with the French Open just around the corner, her performance in Rome has reignited hope. She calls this clay-court stretch one of the most promising phases of her career.
“I feel much more confident on clay,” Osaka shared after reaching the fourth round at the Foro Italico for the second straight year. “Winning my first clay title and winning some tough matches helps instill some confidence ahead of Roland Garros.”
Her career record on clay stands at 66 wins and 46 losses, about a 58.9% win rate. That WTA 125K Saint-Malo title in May 2025 marked her first clay trophy. This year, she’s gone 8-2 on clay, including strong runs in Madrid and Rome.
“I won the most consecutive matches on clay in my entire career, so that’s definitely something to be proud of,” she added. “I think the last few weeks were strong steps in the right direction, and I’m excited to see what I can do in Paris.” With 11 WTA 1000 quarterfinals to her name, including titles at 2018 Indian Wells and 2019 Beijing, Osaka has shown she belongs at the top. Clay success has been tougher, but that might be changing.
Her recent form hints at a breakthrough. Could Osaka’s rising confidence be the key to a deep run on the red soil of Roland Garros? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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