Naomi Osaka recently reflected on her match against Iga Swiatek at the French Open, revealing how it significantly boosted her confidence. Despite exiting in the second round in Toronto, Osaka spoke positively about the experience of playing Swiatek on clay, noting how the encounter has made her believe more in her ability to improve and become a formidable player on surfaces beyond hard courts.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion on hard courts, has expressed a desire to expand her game, particularly on clay and grass, as part of her post-pregnancy comeback. During this year’s clay season, she came close to achieving what she described as “the impossible” by nearly defeating Swiatek at the French Open. Despite holding a 5-2 lead in the third set and a match point, Osaka ultimately lost the match 7-6 (1), 1-6, 7-5. However, the match left a lasting impact on her.
Reflecting on the match, Osaka said, “You know, that Iga match did wonders for my confidence, I’m not going to lie. I’m optimistically looking forward to clay next year. Grass, I’m looking at it from a distance (laughing), but I’m willing to learn, I’m going to watch a lot of tapes of Serena. That’s kind of a next-year thing. I think for me now I’m really focusing on US Open, Asia, that’s kind of the areas that I thrive, so I’m, I don’t know, looking forward to it.”
Following her performance at the French Open, Osaka also made it to the quarterfinals of the ‘s-Hertogenbosch tournament, her first grass event since 2019. With her newfound confidence and determination, Osaka is now focused on the upcoming US Open and the Asian swing, where she aims to continue her progress and further solidify her place as a top contender in the sport.
Iga Swiatek in 2024
Ranked world no.1, the Pole played her last match on the 2nd of August when she beat world no.75 Karolina Anna Schmiedlova 6-2 6-1 in the Bro. in Paris (draw).
Presently, during this year the Pole has achieved a 52-6 win-loss record. Swiatek conquered 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.
The Pole conquered 6 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome and French Open.
The Pole won 23 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts and 10 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
Swiatek has scheduled to compete next in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open). She will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 12th of August.
Naomi Osaka in 2024
LWLLWLLWWL At the moment ranked no.95, the Japanese played her last match on the 8th of August when she lost to world no.35 Elise Mertens 6-3 6-4 in the 2nd round in Toronto (draw).
Presently, during this year Naomi achieved a 17-15 match record.
Naomi Osaka will square off with Anna Danilina in the . They have never competed against each other up to now in top competitions.
The Japanese won 7 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)
Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka faced off 3 times. Their record is 2-1 for Swiatek. The last time they fought against each other, Iga Swiatek won 7-6(1) 1-6 7-5 in the 2nd round in Paris (French Open) on the 29th of May 2024.
Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka |
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