Former World No.1 Naomi Osaka has been on a quest to the top ever since she found her way back to tennis. Having taken a break due to mental health issues, followed by another break due to pregnancy, the Japanese returned at the start of the year.
Having not achieved her best yet, the 2-time Australian Open winner has been looking to get back to winning ways. After an improved hard court season, she got off to a poor start on clay. Playing at the Open De Rouen, she was up against Martina Trevisan in the first round.
In what was looking like an easy win for Osaka, who has had an improved season so far, the Italian played spoilsport to Osaka’s plans, as she pulled out a better performance in the first round. The Japanese had failed to make most of her break chances, and owing to this, she always was on the back foot. Given eight chances to convert, she managed just one.
Where Osaka failed to capitulate, her opponent managed to convert several breakpoints, putting her in the front, after which she had pretty much booked her spot in the next round. In the end, it was Trevisan, who won 6-4, 6-2 to take down the former World No.1.
Naomi Osaka and her future on the clay court after a tough loss in Rouen
Naomi Osaka is on the road to getting back to her best form. Despite winning multiple Grand Slam titles, she lost her touch in the game and looked to get it back this year. After a good start on the hard courts, the complete opposite seems to be happening on clay.
Losing many first service points as well as return points, the Japanese pro failed to bring her A game, and eventually lost. A terrible start to her clay season as her preparation looks incomplete.
With the French Open approaching fast, this loss throws a lot of shade on her rather dull performance. Furthermore, the clay has never been Osaka’s happy suit, but she still intends to play a full tour on clay and get fully prepared for France.
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