PARIS — Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka expressed frustration after her first-round exit at the French Open, admitting she "hates disappointing people" following her straight-sets defeat to Spain's Paula Badosa. The 6-4, 7-6(4) loss marked Osaka’s earliest exit at Roland Garros since 2019.
Osaka, who returned to competitive tennis in January after a 15-month maternity break, struggled to find rhythm against the 27th-seeded Badosa. Despite flashes of brilliance, the former world No. 1 was undone by 34 unforced errors and a shaky second serve. "I feel like I could have done better," Osaka told reporters post-match. "But I’m trying not to be too hard on myself."
A Rocky Return to Clay
The match highlighted Osaka’s ongoing challenges on clay, a surface she has historically struggled with. Since her comeback, she has yet to advance past the second round in any clay-court event. Key issues in her game included:
- Inconsistent first-serve percentage (58%)
- Difficulty handling Badosa’s heavy topspin forehand
- Unforced errors at critical moments, including three double faults in the first set
Badosa, a former world No. 2, capitalized on Osaka’s rust, dictating rallies with her deep groundstrokes. "She’s one of the most dangerous players unseeded," Badosa said. "I knew I had to play my best tennis."
The Weight of Expectations
Osaka, who has been open about her mental health struggles, acknowledged the pressure she feels to perform. "I put a lot of pressure on myself to win for my team and my fans," she admitted. "It’s tough when you don’t meet those expectations." Her defeat extended her Grand Slam losing streak to three matches, dating back to the 2022 US Open.
A Glimpse of Progress
Despite the loss, Osaka showed glimpses of her trademark power, particularly in a second-set fightback from 1-4 down. She saved two match points before succumbing in the tiebreak. "I’m taking it day by day," she said. "Each match is a lesson."
What’s Next for Osaka?
The 26-year-old confirmed she will skip Wimbledon to focus on preparing for the Olympics, where she will represent Japan. Her schedule includes:
- Training blocks to improve clay and hard-court fitness
- Exhibition matches to fine-tune her game
- Potential participation in smaller tournaments before Paris 2024
Badosa, meanwhile, advances to face Yulia Putintseva in the second round. Reflecting on Osaka’s comeback, she said, "Naomi’s a champion. It’s just a matter of time before she’s back at the top."
Osaka’s defeat underscores the challenges of returning to elite tennis after pregnancy. Only three mothers — Kim Clijsters, Evonne Goolagong, and Margaret Court — have won Grand Slams in the Open Era. "I’m not where I want to be yet," Osaka conceded. "But I’m working toward it."
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Tennis analysts were divided on Osaka’s performance. While some praised her resilience, others noted her movement remains a work in progress. Social media reactions included:
- "She’ll find her rhythm soon — patience is key." — @TennisAnalyst
- "Clay was always her weakest surface. Hard courts will tell the real story." — @GrandSlamStats
Osaka’s honesty about her struggles resonated with fans. One supporter tweeted, "We love you for your authenticity, Naomi. Wins will come." The Japanese star has previously cited balancing motherhood and tennis as her "biggest challenge yet."
Looking Ahead
With the Olympics on home soil (Paris) and the US Open looming, Osaka remains optimistic. "I’m building my confidence back," she said. "Every match, win or lose, is part of the journey." Her next scheduled appearance is at the Berlin Open in June, a key warm-up for the Games.
As Badosa moves forward in the tournament, Osaka’s focus shifts to the future. "I hate losing, but I hate disappointing people more," she reiterated. "That’s what hurts the most." For now, Roland Garros’ red clay remains a puzzle she’s determined to solve.