As a mom, Naomi Osaka found her love for Paris

PARIS. Honor the place honor is due. Usually, a duel between quantity 48 and quantity 134 within the WTA laptop within the first spherical of the French Open is just not a case for one of many present courts at Roland Garros. However quantity 134 is none aside from Naomi Osaka, who has earned the most important doable stage, the “Philippe Chatrier”.

The 26-year-old former world primary is a four-time main winner and lived as much as her semifinal reward, albeit with a little bit of a stomachache. The Japanese defeated the Italian Lucia Bronzetti 6:1, 4:6 and seven:5. Issues obtained tight once more within the third set, though Osaka was already main 4:0.

“Issues do not at all times go simply,” mentioned the winner, who has something however a love affair with the clay court docket basic in Paris. She by no means made it previous the spherical of 32 right here, and in 2021 Osaka refused to attend the compulsory press conferences, later citing psychological well being issues as the explanation.

On the time, after the second spherical, she introduced: “I believe it’s best for the match, the opposite gamers and my well being if I withdraw so that everybody can focus on tennis in Paris once more,” Osaka let her anxious, big fan base know by way of “X” (previously Twitter).

In 2022, the Asian returned to the French Open, however failed proper in the beginning. In 2023, she stayed away from the occasion, the event was joyful: Osaka and her associate, the rapper Cordae, have been anticipating the delivery of their daughter Shai, who was born in July of the identical 12 months. Now Naomi is again within the metropolis of affection – and ten-month-old Shai, who’s taking her first steps, is by her aspect. “I am joyful. I be taught numerous classes from being a mom – I hope I can apply them on the tennis court docket as properly,” Osaka mentioned.

Number one earlier than doorways

Her perspective has modified, her strategy to the game is extra optimistic, even when the clay will at all times play second fiddle to the laborious court docket. One mustn’t count on miracles from her – particularly not within the second spherical, the place the very best doable hurdle will nearly definitely stand in her means. World primary Iga Swiatek (Pol), who has gained three of her 4 Grand Slam titles on the French Open (2020, 2022, 2023), is unlikely to show herself in opposition to qualifier Leolia Jeanjean (Fra) on Monday and can then face Osaka.

Wait and see. Some favorites have already stumbled early on. Carlos Alcaraz is just not one in all them. The 21-year-old Spaniard defeated JJ Wolf (USA) 6:1, 6:2, 6:1 in his comeback after a three-and-a-half-week break as a result of an elbow harm.