Naomi Osaka returns to the French Open with renewed confidence after recently reaching the last 16 at the Italian Open. The four-time major champion credits being a mom with teaching her important lessons that she believes can help her succeed on clay.
Osaka has been reunited with her 10-month-old daughter Shai in Paris after spending five weeks apart during the European clay-court swing. Being away from Shai was tough, but Osaka kept in touch with her every day, expressing happiness at Shai’s progress, including taking her first steps recently.
Despite never advancing past the last 32 on the Roland Garros clay and all of her major tournament wins coming on hard courts, Osaka is looking forward to competing at Roland Garros. She is ranked 134th in the world and reached the last 16 at the Italian Open last week. Returning from maternity leave in January, Osaka is ready to take on any challenges that come her way.
On day one of the tournament, Osaka will kick off proceedings in the first match on Court Philippe Chatrier at 11:00 BST against an opponent yet to be determined. Meanwhile, Andy Murray will play in the evening night session against Stan Wawrinka not before 19:15 BST. Jack Draper will also be in action around 12:00 BST against Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong. Other highlights on day one include Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz facing American JJ Wolf and Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez making her debut in a Grand Slam match against Estonian Kaia Kanepi.
