Previously, the tennis world has seen Naomi Osaka expressing her thoughts on the challenges of facing tough draws in tennis, often emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude and resilience alongside her physical skills. Osaka and thought draw seem to be a never-ending story now! At the first Grand Slam of the season, she had to face the former world number 4, Belinda Bencic, in the third round. Now, in the second major tournament of the 2025 season, she had to face the former world number 2, Paula Badosa. Speaking about this match, Osaka had earlier said, “I was supposed to play her in Rome, but she was injured, so I didn’t get to play her, but I was really looking forward to it because I know she’s a good player. It’s kind of crazy that we have both been on tour, but we haven’t played each other yet. And I know that she’s supposed to be a good clay court player also.” After this match, the Spaniard shared a very interesting take on this draw. What did she say?
In this first round clash, Paula Badosa defeated the former world number one, Naomi Osaka, by 6(1)-7,6-1,6-4. But after this win, the Spaniard was heard claiming, “When I saw the draw.. I was really looking forward to playing Naomi. She’s a player I respect a lot, what she did on and off court. I love her tennis. So I was excited. Honestly, it’s not fair to play her first round. But I’m really happy with the level, especially coming from an injury.”
But what really inspired her to push harder in crucial moments of this match? Speaking about the 14-time champion, Badosa she pointed at his footprint on the court and said, “I have to say that when I was 7-6 down the first thing I did was to look over there. To get inspiration from Rafa. I’m like ‘Come on Paula, you have to fight like he was.’ Thanks Rafa. We really miss you.”
After this gritty 2 hours and 20 minutes battle, she heaped praise on Osaka, saying, “As you all know, she’s a great, great player — I respect her so much. I know she likes to play the big matches. It’s where she plays her best game.” With this win, Badosa has now won 12 main-draw matches at the French Open, the most she’s had at any tournament. She’ll now face either McCartney Kessler or Elena Gabriela Ruse in her next match.
Paula Badosa on beating Naomi Osaka at Roland Garros
“When I saw the draw.. I was really looking forward to playing Naomi. She’s a player I respect a lot, what she did on and off court. I love her tennis. So I was excited. Honestly it’s not fair to play her first round . But… pic.twitter.com/5NGlqMklDN
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 26, 2025
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