“That’s one of my favorite things about life, though, there’s always room to grow and evolve,” Naomi Osaka wrote on X, after finally lifting a trophy again at L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo, a WTA 125 event in France. This was Osaka’s first title in 4 years and first since becoming a mother, marking a stirring chapter in her comeback. With a stunning 8-match-winning streak, the Japanese ace looked all set to get to Roland Garros with a winning momentum. But as life teaches us, joy often dances with heartache! Osaka’s recent exit on Italian clay, immediately after the title win in Saint-Malo, is a stark reminder of the sport’s highs and lows. Yet, in this moment of setback, she finds solace and support in her coach, the legendary 54-year-old Patrick Mouratoglou. 

Osaka’s impressive eight-match winning streak, her longest ever on clay, came to an end at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where she fell in a tight battle to Peyton Stearns, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (4). Since her return from a 15-month break following the birth of her daughter, the former former World No. 1 has struggled to rediscover the form that earned her four GS titles. An abdominal injury forced her out of the AO, and early exits at Indian Wells and Madrid further reminded her of the uphill climb she was still facing.

Despite her recent WTA 125 title in Saint-Malo, Osaka has yet to progress beyond the R16 at a higher-tier event this season. But in the face of disappointment, her coach Mouratoglou is still backing her.

Right after Osaka’s loss against Stearns, Mouratoglou took to IG to share a series of in-match photos capturing Osaka grinding on the red clay. In the post, the Frenchman celebrated her recent achievements, praising the Japanese for her resilience. “What a ride @naomiosaka! 9 matches in a row and one title,” he wrote.

Mouratoglou also reflected on the ups and downs of competition, admitting, “Always disappointing to lose but it was a great ride.” He closed his tribute by congratulating Osaka’s opponent Stearns as well, as he shfted focus toward the future. “Congrats to @peystearns for the match. A deserved rest now, and let’s get back at it!” 

The 23-year-old American Peyton Stearns put on an absolute clinic against Osaka. In a thrilling third set, the 4-time Grand Slam champion Osaka being pushed deep into defense as Stearns repeatedly unloaded her heavy forehand. Although Osaka produced several incredible exchanges, more often than not, it was the American who landed the final blow. Osaka struck 10 aces among her 26 winners, but Stearns held the edge off the ground, notching 26 groundstroke winners to Osaka’s 16.

While Stearns advanced to face the World No. 16 and two-time Rome champion Elina Svitolina, who beat another American, Danielle Collins, 6-4, 6-2, Osaka shared her thoughts following the grueling battle. She expressed pride in her mindset and the growth she showed on a surface which was never her strongest suit.

Naomi Osaka’s candid opinion on her upcoming French Open campaign

Known for her struggles on clay, Osaka has never progressed past the third round at Roland Garros, where she’s set to compete in the main draw later this month. Still, her performance in Rome has rekindled optimism, especially as she looks back at this clay swing as one of the most promising stretches of her career.

“I feel much more confident on clay,” said Osaka, who reached the 4th round at the Foro Italico for the second year in a row. “Winning my first clay title and winning some tough matches helps instill some confidence ahead of Roland Garros.”

“I won the most consecutive matches on clay in my entire career, so that’s definitely something to be proud of. I think the last few weeks were strong steps in the right direction, and I’m excited to see what I can do in Paris,” Osaka continued.

With 11 WTA 1000 QF to her name, Osaka has demonstrated her pedigree at the highest level, including titles at 2018 Indian Wells and 2019 Beijing. While success on clay has been elusive, her recent form suggests she may be turning a corner. 

Will Osaka’s newfound belief carry her deep into the Parisian clay? Share your thoughts in the comments below.