- Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka has been left disappointed after exiting the French Open in the first round
- A two-time winner at both the Australian Open and the US Open, Osaka has never gone past the third round at the French Open since her return to tennis
- One year after a difficult period for British tennis players at Ronald Garros where they failed to record a single win, Emma Raducanu has boosted the confidence of her colleagues with first-round victory over Wang Xinyu
Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka has been left disappointed after exiting the French Open in the first round. The 27-year-old, who took a maternity break from tennis in 2023, won her first title in almost two years earlier this month and was hoping to continue with her impressive performance at the Roland Garros.
She started the match against Paula Badosa in the best way possible, winning the first set in a tie-break. However, she couldn’t keep up with the pressure and Badosa fought back to win the thriller 6-7 (1-7) 6-1 6-4.
Osaka, who is currently working with Serena Williams former coach Patrick Mouratoglou, recorded 54 unforced errors. Meanwhile, her tenth seed opponent recorded only half of that number. She was broken five times in the match and finished with as many double faults.
Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts during her women’s singles match against Spain’s Paula Badosa at the French Open at the Roland-Garros Complex. She has exited the tournament in the first round after losing 6-7 (1-7) 6-1 6-4 to Paula Badosa. Photo/ The Japan Times.
A two-time winner at both the Australian Open and the US Open, Osaka has never gone past the third round at the French Open since her return to tennis. The former world number told journalists during her news conference on Monday following her defeat to Badosa that she hates “disappointing people”.
Osaka has never produced her best performance at the French Open. Her powerful serves and groundstrokes are dulled by the clay in Paris. However, her performance against eventual tournament champion Iga Swiatek is one that would give her confidence that she can also do better in clay. The Japanese came within one point of knocking out Swiatek.
Emma Raducanu To Face Swiatek In French Open Second Round
One year after a difficult period for British tennis players at Ronald Garros where they failed to record a single win, Emma Raducanu has boosted the confidence of her colleagues with her first-round victory over China’s Wang Xinyu. The British number two recorded a 7-5 4-6 6-3 victory over Wang in what she describes as one of the most satisfying performances in her career.
Raducanu, who is ranked at 41, initially struggled against her Chinese opponent but recovered to serve out the opening set at the second attempt. World number 43 Wang bounced back in the second set to set a thriller in the decider. However, the match had to be stopped for some time as the Briton Raducanu had her blood pressure taken on court.
Upon her return to action, Raducanu played her best attacking tennis to hold off Wang and secure victory and set up a thriller with Iga Swiatek. World number one Swiatek has won at Roland Garros four times and is aiming for a fifth title this year after starting the tournament with stunning 6-3 6-3 over Rebecca Sramkova.
Emma Raducanu will now focus on how to upset world number one Iga Swiatek on the second round at the French Open following her victory over China’s Wang Xinyu. Swiatek is the defending champion in Paris and has won four consecutive titles at Roland Garros. Photo/ Tennis365.
Raducanu feels the clash against Swiatek will provide her with the opportunity to develop more as she challenges against the top players.
“I think it’s a match for me where I can really test and challenge myself. I think exposure to the top players is great for where I’m at for my development. I think especially on clay, it’s her preferred tournament probably [and] surface. She’s won it four times.” The Guardian quotes Emma Raducanu.
