Naomi Osaka’s comeback has been nothing short of a blockbuster. Her longest ever match-winning streak on clay (8) and a title at L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo (a WTA 125 event in France), the former World No.1 looks all set for the Roland Garros, which is just 10 days away. However, her recent elimination from the Italian Open also raises some serious questions about whether the 27-year-old is really Roland Garros-ready. Well, Naomi was gutted to end her eight-match winning streak. She called it “atrocious.” Yet, in this moment of setback, she finds solace and support in her coach, the legendary 54-year-old Patrick Mouratoglou.

After winning the first set, Osaka ended up losing the momentum, which was enough for the fifth seed, Peyton Stearns, to end Osaka’s dream run. While Osaka credited Peyton for her dominant display, the 4-time Grand Slam champion, who aims to win her first Slam at clay, also sent a strong message ahead of the much-anticipated French Open. “I think Peyton played very well,” Osaka said via WTA. “It was a physical match, and maybe the consecutive matches caught up to me a bit. Going to rest for a bit and reset for Roland Garros. I feel much more confident on clay. Winning my first clay title and winning some tough matches helps instill some confidence ahead of Roland Garros.”

Notably, after her return from a 15-month break following the birth of her daughter, the former World No. 1 has struggled to rediscover the form that earned her four GS titles. But after an abdominal injury that forced her out of the AO and early exits from the Indian Wells and Madrid Open, Osaka’s recent form on clay is still a big win, considering we are just 10 days away from Roland Garros. And who knows if this early exit from the Italian Open might work in her favor? At least her coach, Mouratoglou, believes so, who is still backing the 2x US Open champ!

Right after Osaka’s loss against Stearns, Mouratoglou took to IG to share a series of in-match photos capturing Osaka grinding on the red clay. In the post, the Frenchman celebrated her recent achievements, praising the Japanese for her resilience. “What a ride @naomiosaka! 9 matches in a row and one title,” he wrote.

Mouratoglou also reflected on the ups and downs of competition, admitting, “Always disappointing to lose but it was a great ride.” He closed his tribute by congratulating Osaka’s opponent Stearns, as well, as he shifted focus toward the future. “Congrats to @peystearns for the match. A deserved rest now, and let’s get back at it!” 

The 23-year-old American, Peyton Stearns, put on an absolute clinic against Osaka. In a thrilling third set, the 4-time Grand Slam champion Osaka being pushed deep into defense as Stearns repeatedly unloaded her heavy forehand. Although Osaka produced several incredible exchanges, more often than not, it was the American who landed the final blow. Osaka struck 10 aces among her 26 winners, but Stearns held the edge off the ground, notching 26 groundstroke winners to Osaka’s 16.

While Stearns advanced to face the World No. 16 and two-time Rome champion Elina Svitolina, who beat another American, Danielle Collins, 6-4, 6-2, Osaka shared her thoughts following the grueling battle. She expressed pride in her mindset and her growth on a surface that was never her strongest suit.

Naomi Osaka’s candid opinion on her upcoming French Open campaign

Known for her struggles on clay, Osaka has never progressed past the third round at Roland Garros, where she’s set to compete in the main draw later this month. Still, her performance in Rome has rekindled optimism, especially as she looks back at this clay swing as one of the most promising stretches of her career.

“I feel much more confident on clay,” said Osaka, who reached the 4th round at the Foro Italico for the second year in a row. “Winning my first clay title and winning some tough matches helps instill some confidence ahead of Roland Garros.”

“I won the most consecutive matches on clay in my entire career, so that’s definitely something to be proud of. I think the last few weeks were strong steps in the right direction, and I’m excited to see what I can do in Paris,” Osaka continued.

With 11 WTA 1000 QF to her name, Osaka has demonstrated her pedigree at the highest level, including titles at 2018 Indian Wells and 2019 Beijing. While success on clay has been elusive, her recent form suggests she may be turning a corner. 

Will Osaka’s newfound belief carry her deep into the Parisian clay? Share your thoughts in the comments below.