Butterflies erupt in the stomachs of even the most seasoned Grand Slam competitors. Naomi Osaka, a four-time champion, isn’t immune. But for her, Roland Garros ignites a different kind of anxiety – one that goes beyond the usual pre-match jitters. In a surprising revelation, Osaka, potentially facing the red-hot Iga Swiatek in the second round, confessed to dreading her opening matches at the French Open.

Naomi Osaka, who plays Lucia Bronzetti today in Roland Garros, had a pre-tournament press conference yesterday. A clip of that interview shared by Tennis Actu TV provided a glimpse of an intriguing twist regarding her thoughts about the upcoming matches! When a reporter began his question with, “I know tennis players don’t like to look ahead quite often in the draw…” Osaka promptly replied, “Don’t tell me anything please.”

Although the room filled with the sounds of laughter, it underlined Osaka’s nervousness before the match. Especially when it comes to knowing who your opponent is. However, the twist to the story is that if Osaka manages to win the first round, her next opponent will be none other than world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. And it seems the former World No. 1 has no clue about that. But according to statistics, Osaka does not need to worry much. 

This is because, among the two times that she has played against the Pole, both have won one time each, resulting in none of them leading over each other. After almost two years since their last encounter in Miami, 2022 finals, they will possibly meet again on clay this season. However, soon after knowing that Osaka might not know whom she will be playing in the second round, the reporter asked about her first-round opponent. “What do you think about your first round opponent what do you know about her?”

The Japanese tennis pro, uncomfortable at the question, however, managed a response. “Man now you’re stressing me out. I don’t think I’ve ever played her not to my knowledge. I’ve seen her around. I know that anyone that’s playing this tournament is a really tough opponent.” However, she also further acknowledged her fear and nervousness in general before embarking on the French Open first-round.

Naomi Osaka is “quite nervous” before her French Open first-round

Ranked 134th in the World, Naomi Osaka’s history in the Roland Garros is full of struggles. The 26-year-old has never qualified beyond the third round in the French Open. However, after two years, Osaka is finally returning in the Roland Garros. Therefore, mixed with her excitement is a tinge of nervousness, too. 

During the press conference, she further highlighted it by saying, “I’m usually quite nervous during those first-round matches. so um I’m just going in there trying my best seeing if all the lessons that I’ve learned so far uh have adapted me into a better player.”

Although she faced early round defeats in Rouen and Madrid; it was not the same in Italian Open. After beating Maria Kostyuk and Daria Kasatkina, Osaka achieved her first two career top 20 wins in Rome. As the French Open proceeds, fans are waiting for another one of her top tier victories, be it against Bronzetti or Swiatek.