A streak-snapping win
Osaka’s comeback from maternity leave commenced in January, but the 26-year-old’s losing streak at the Slams had stretched back more than two years. Osaka lost her third-round match at the 2022 Australian Open (Amanda Anisimova), then dropped three consecutive first-rounders, at 2022 Roland-Garros (Anisimova), 2022 US Open (Danielle Collins) and the 2024 Australian Open (Caroline Garcia).
She admitted the streak was on her mind when she spoke in her post-match press conference.
“I kind of focused on it a bit too much instead of trying to play point by point, and I think towards the end I was able to erase that thought from my head,” she said. “But I would love to not have to go through that rollercoaster again.”
The former world No.1 improves to 58-19 lifetime at the majors, and 8-5 at Roland-Garros.
Better than ever on clay?
On Saturday Osaka expressed satisfaction in recent developments in her clay-court game. She has made no secret about the fact that she yearns to play better on the surface, and so far this year she has achieved that end, winning five of eight matches and notching back-to-back top-20 wins for the first time on clay (at Rome).
Though she struggled mightily at times on Sunday, her late recovery should have her feeling good about her progress heading into round two.
“I think I have made a significant amount of progress, and I feel like people can see that throughout the tournaments that I have played, but I feel like I have dedicated a lot of time to learning about clay,” Osaka said on Saturday in Paris. “I just want to do well, and I want to keep beating really good players.”
The Swiatek challenge looms
Osaka will likely have the chance to measure herself against the very best in the second round, as she is slated to face the winner of Monday’s clash between three-time champion Iga Swiatek and French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean in the second round.
If it is Swiatek who comes through, Osaka will be facing one of the women who has inspired her during her comeback from maternity leave.
“I’m looking at them as an inspiration,” she said of Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday, when asked if her level was getting closer to that of the WTA’s top two players. “This part of my journey, I’m not really comparing myself right now. Maybe later when I get more confident and towards the level that I want.”
Osaka and Swiatek have met twice previously, but not since 2022, and never on clay. Osaka won the pair’s first encounter in Toronto in 2019, while Swiatek defeated the Japanese star in the Miami final in 2022.
“I’m honestly really excited,” Osaka said after her win. “I watched her a lot when I was pregnant. And honestly, I think it’s an honour to play her in the French Open, because she’s won more than once here, for sure. It’s like a very big honour and challenge for me.”
