'That shows a lot of mental strength' - Maria Sakkari praises Naomi Osaka for unique path taken to return to form

After her rapid ascent to the top of the WTA circuit, former World No.1 Naomi Osaka experienced some lows as she dealt with personal issues and childbirth that saw her suffer a significant loss of form. However, the Japanese superstar appears to be regaining her poise on the court, to which she has been lauded by WTA colleague, Maria Sakkari.

The Greek star is competing at the 2025 DC Open, where she advanced to the quarterfinals after edging out second seed Emma Navarro. The 29-year old is slated to face the winner of the clash between former US Open champions, as Osaka takes on Emma Raducanu in another round of 16 blockbuster.

Following her win over Navarro, Sakkari revealed a conversation she had with Osaka at this year's Italian Open. Prior to the WTA 1000 event, Osaka had competed at a smaller, WTA 125K tournament in Saint Malo. The Japanese superstar would end up winning the title as she amped up preparations for the French Open.

“It’s going to be interesting because they are both playing good,” Sakkari said after her win when asked about facing either Raducanu or Osaka. “Emma obviously had a great run in Wimbledon. She’s been playing really well. But I feel like Naomi is also getting up there."

Sakkari commended Osaka for playing at a lower-level WTA event

“I actually went up to her, it was in Rome after she played that 125, and that for me was great," continued the former World No.3. "That, for me, I respected her before, but after that, like, I had massive respect. Because not a lot of Grand Slam champions and superstars like she is would do something like that. I feel like that would really help her to come back to the top, and I just feel like she’s been playing great tennis and it’s going to come.
“I said it from my heart and I believe it. It was amazing. Conditions are not great and it’s a 125, and it’s not great, but that shows a lot of strength and a lot of mental strength."

Raducanu would end up winning the round of 16 encounter at the DC Open, scoring a 6-4 6-2 victory over Osaka. The British star holds a 3-0 lead over Sakkari in career meetings on the WTA Tour.