Naomi Osaka Wins Italian Open Second Round After Clay-Court Title Boost

Naomi Osaka has been making a determined comeback on the clay court season after becoming a mother, highlighted by her recent victory at the L'Open 35 de Saint-Malo, her first clay-court title and WTA win since July. Struggling initially with form and consistency, Osaka dropped down to the WTA 125 level to gain match experience and rebuild confidence, inspired by Andre Agassi's career path and supported by her coach Patrick Mouratoglou. After an early-round loss at the Madrid Open, she refocused and won six consecutive matches, including a tough second-round comeback against Viktorija Golubic at the Italian Open, showcasing improved reading of opponents and mental resilience. Osaka has acknowledged her past discomfort with clay courts and aims to improve her record at Roland Garros, where she has yet to progress beyond the third round. Her recent performances reflect growing momentum and a strategic approach to preparation, as she balances physical recovery with competitive match play. Despite setbacks such as injuries and mental health challenges, Osaka's clay-court resurgence signals a promising trajectory for the remainder of the season.