Naomi Osaka will have been absolutely devastated at the manner of her recent exit at Roland Garros.
The four-time Grand Slam winner was edged out by Iga Swiatek in the second round of the French Open 7-6(1), 1-6, 7-5, with tennis fans blown away by the Pole’s comeback.
There is, of course, no shame in losing to the world number one, who moreover secured her 16th consecutive Roland-Garros victory with the win.
But it was the fact that Osaka was just one point away from knocking out the eventual champion in the French capital.
It was a very impressive display from the former, who had only just made a return to the court after having a baby.
Naomi Osaka secures first grass win in five years
Osaka could have been forgiven for perhaps taking a break after the devastating defeat, but she was captured practising for the grass season not long after.
And that practise has undoubtedly paid off, with Osaka now winning her first match back on grass since 2019.
The 26-year-old emerged victorious in her round of 32 encounter with Elise Mertens in the Libema Open.
A fantastic victory was secured in the Netherlands, with Osaka knocking out the fourth seed in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.
Tennis fans overjoyed for Naomi Osaka on her grass court return
Osaka has proven her ability on the various surfaces over the years, but it seems that she does have a favourite.
The women’s star has won four Grand Slam titles in her superb career so far, with all four coming on hard courts, with two US Open wins and two Australian Open wins.
It is Wimbledon that arrives next on the calendar, with fans now very excited for Osaka after her first grass win since 2019.
The four-time Grand Slam winner took to social media to celebrate, writing on X: “First grass court W in 5 years.”
One user immediately replied: “You’re back!” with another commenting: “Class is permanent.”
Others followed with comments such as “Getting your momentum back, you got this,” and “Getting ready for Wimbledon!”
Another user posted: “Listen and listen good queen. Your game can rule any surface. You are one of the most skillful players ever, male or female and your game is very powerful. Stay positive and share your classy genius everywhere. Welcome back!”
Further messages of support from fans followed, including: “Congratulations, Naomi! Super proud of you,” and “Welcome back queen.”
And there was more excitement for Wimbledon journey, with users writing: “Congrats champ. Let’s go for Wimbledon,” and “Deserved, already excited for your Wimbledon run.”
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