Naomi Osaka wins on French Open return: 3 key takeaways

Oli Dickson Jefford
Naomi Osaka 2024 French Open
Naomi Osaka in French Open action against Lucia Bronzetti

It wasn’t pretty, but Naomi Osaka ultimately got the job done.

The world No 134 returned to the French Open and battled past Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 to reach the second round, picking up a first Roland Garros match win in three years – and first Slam win since 2022.

The scoreline does not tell the whole story, with Osaka forced to regain her composure after blowing a 4-0 lead in the decider.

But a win is a win, and the former world No 1 finds herself in the second round.

We look at three key talking points from her dramatic victory.

Up and down forehand

One of the key concerns surrounding Osaka on clay is that she cannot utilise her brutal groundstrokes as effectively as she can on hard courts – in particular, her forehand.

But that was not an issue early in this contest, with the former world No 1 firing well particularly off that wing.

However, as the match went on it became more of a problem for the Japanese, who misfired frequently, particularly when squandering her lead in the decider.

She hit 31 winners throughout the contest, but also 45 unforced errors and a great deal of these came on what is widely seen as her stronger wing.

It is Osaka’s money shot and she’ll need more reliability on it in future matches on clay.

Read More: French Open – 5 key talking points from the women’s draw

Impressive movement

Looking back at Osaka’s straight-set loss to Martina Trevisan in her first clay match of the season in Rouen, it was obvious that the Japanese was uncomfortable moving on the surface.

Fast forward just over a month, and it is an entirely different picture.

Time playing in Madrid and Rome – and regular practice blocks in Mallorca – have made a huge difference to Osaka’s ability on the surface.

The four-time Slam winner was moving incredibly well throughout the contest, particularly across both wings of the baseline but also when coming forward towards the net.

That bodes well for Osaka’s next round match, and her future on clay over the coming seasons – including the Olympics this summer.

Swiatek can rush her

Osaka dominated the opening set and was ultimately able to cling on to victory against an inexperienced opponent.

But the former world No 1 did look slightly rushed during the second and third sets – particularly in the latter stages – and that is an area of concern ahead of her round two clash.

Osaka will likely face reigning champion and heavy title favourite Iga Swiatek in the next round, an opponent more than comfortable on clay.

The Pole will rush Osaka at every opportunity and test all aspects of her game, potentially not giving her time to set up her brutal groundstrokes.

Her round one test was passed successfully, but Osaka will likely need a different tactical approach next.