By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, May 26, 2025
Photo credit: Julian Finney/Getty
Naomi Osaka tackled a gripping first set with an unusual strategy—she decided to give her nails a trim.
In a quirky moment, Osaka ended the first set with a quick manicure.
The emotional scars of Grand Slam heartbreak resurfaced for Osaka after a nail-biting match, where she fell to Paula Badosa with a score of 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4 during her opening match at Roland Garros, held on the iconic Court Philippe Chatrier.
The 10th-seeded Badosa emerged victorious after a grueling two hours and 21 minutes, leaving an emotionally drained Osaka in tears at her post-match press conference.
“I think [the difference] was that she was probably more aggressive,” Osaka reflected. “I’ve noticed that this has been a recurring theme in my last two matches—something I need to address.”
“It was definitely a tough match,” she added.
This marks the second consecutive year Osaka has faced heartache at the French Open.
Last year, the then-reigning Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek thwarted Osaka’s dream by saving a match point in their second-round bout, ultimately winning 7-6(1), 1-6, 7-5.
Entering this year’s tournament, a rejuvenated Osaka had just celebrated her first-ever clay-court title in the WTA 125 event at Saint-Malo. However, Badosa, who reached the semifinals at the Australian Open and has battled a chronic back issue, proved more effective in crucial moments.
Feeling the weight of disappointment, Osaka shared how much it pains her to let down not just herself but also her team, including her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who previously mentored her idol, Serena Williams.
“I absolutely detest disappointing people,” Osaka conveyed with tears in her eyes. “Especially with Patrick, I can’t help but think he went from coaching the greatest player ever to this. Sorry for the expletive, I hope I don’t get fined,” she added, stepping away from the press conference momentarily before returning for a few last questions.
Since her brilliant triumph at the 2021 Australian Open, where she clinched her fourth Grand Slam title, Osaka has faced challenges, failing to reach the second round in eight of her 11 major tournament appearances.
When asked about how this latest setback might contribute to her growth, Osaka said, “I hope you can enlighten me on that.”
“I feel like I gain little insights from every match,” Osaka reflected. “For instance, I lost the tiebreaker in Rome, but I didn’t lose it here. So, I am aware of my gameplay decisions, and perhaps the next match will benefit from today’s lessons.”
