Naomi Osaka’s challenges at Roland Garros continued as she faced a first-round defeat at the 2025 French Open, losing to 10th seed Paula Badosa in a three-set match: 6–7(1), 6–1, 6–4. Despite securing the first set in a tiebreak, Osaka’s performance waned, leading to her early departure from the tournament.
Match Overview
The encounter began with promise for Osaka, who clinched the opening set in a dominant tiebreak. However, Badosa responded emphatically, taking the second set 6–1. In the deciding set, Osaka initially led 2–0 but was unable to maintain her advantage, ultimately succumbing to Badosa’s resilience.
Osaka’s game was marred by 54 unforced errors and five double faults, significantly impacting her performance. She also contended with blisters on her hands, necessitating a medical timeout during the match.
Emotional Aftermath
Post-match, Osaka faced an emotional press conference, expressing her disappointment and the pressure she feels to meet expectations. She momentarily left the room in tears but returned to answer additional questions, reflecting on her performance and the challenges she faces.
“As time goes on, I feel like I should be doing better,” Osaka remarked. “I hate disappointing people.”
Historical Context
This defeat marks another early exit for Osaka at the French Open, a tournament where she has historically struggled. She has never advanced beyond the third round at Roland Garros.
In 2021, Osaka withdrew from the French Open, citing mental health concerns, a decision that brought significant attention to athlete well-being.
Recent Form
Osaka entered the French Open with momentum, having secured her first clay-court title at the L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo earlier in May. This victory marked her first title since returning from maternity leave.
Despite this success, her performance at Roland Garros highlights the ongoing challenges she faces on clay surfaces.
What’s Next
Currently ranked No. 49, Osaka’s focus will shift to the upcoming grass-court season. She has not yet announced her participation in specific tournaments but will aim to regroup and prepare for Wimbledon. Her resilience and determination will be crucial as she seeks to overcome recent setbacks and return to form.
As Osaka continues her journey, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how she navigates the challenges ahead and strives to reclaim her position among the sport’s elite.
