By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday May 4, 2025
Naomi Osaka made the decision to drop down to a lower-level tournament in Saint-Malo, France this week, and she was rewarded with her first trophy lift since 2021.
55th-ranked Osaka defeated 515-ranked Kaja Juvan of Slovenia 6-1, 6-5 to take the title. She also earned wins over Diane Parry, Elsa Jacquemot and Leolia Jeanjean in Saint-Malo.
🏆 FIRST title in clay for Osaka
Naomi Osaka wins the WTA 125 of Saint-Malo, defeating Kaja Juvan 6-2 7-5!
First trophy since 2021 for the four-time Grand Slam champion 🙌🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/nsw2y1FHo3
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) May 4, 2025
The victory at the 125K event marks Osaka’s first pro title on the clay.
The former World No.1 did not face a player ranked inside the Top 100 but will nevertheless gain confidence from her run of wins.
“Kinda ironic to win my first trophy back on the surface that I thought was my worst,” Osaka wrote on social media. “That’s one of my favorite things about life though, there’s always room to grow and evolve. Thanks to everyone accompanying me on this journey, I know it’s turbulent but it’s also really fun and I’m grateful.”
Kinda ironic to win my first trophy back on the surface that I thought was my worst. That’s one of my favorite things about life though, there’s always room to grow and evolve. Thanks to everyone accompanying me on this journey, I know it’s turbulent but it’s also really fun and… pic.twitter.com/oR5OY5pTJN
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 4, 2025
She is slated to play the main draw at Rome, which begins on Tuesday.
NAOMI OSAKA WINS HER FIRST EVER TITLE ON CLAY! 🧡🏆 pic.twitter.com/FfKnsmhF5V
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) May 4, 2025
