Naomi Osaka secured her first clay-court victory in two years on Wednesday. While the previous world No. 1 is adjusting to the slower floor in preparation for the French Open, she has no intention of abandoning the facility sport that has earned her 4 Grand Slam titles.
Osaka, who returned to competitors in January following a 15-month maternity break, has achieved vital success together with her sturdy baseline play. However, she has confronted challenges on clay courts.
Her preliminary match of the season on this floor resulted in a first-round defeat to Martina Trevisan in Rouen final week. Nevertheless, Osaka bounced again with a 6-4, 6-1 conquer Greet Minnen on the Madrid Open on Wednesday.
“I slid a couple of times to my forehand pretty well, so I was excited about that,” Osaka advised reporters. “She was hitting actually good drop photographs, however I feel I bought to a few fairly nicely. Movement-wise, I’m feeling much more comfy.
“I wish to adapt, and I’m attempting to, however there are issues that work for me and have gotten me to the place I’m, so I do not wish to begin slicing and dicing.
“There’s a basis to my game, and I want to stick to that, but also respect the court. It’s a work in progress for me, but I’m watching many more matches on clay. I’m trying to do my homework as best as I can.”
Osaka, who’s now ranked 197th on the planet, has by no means made it to a ultimate on clay and has did not advance past the third spherical at Roland Garros.
“I’d like to win a tournament on clay,” mentioned Osaka, who meets Liudmila Samsonova subsequent in Madrid.
“It would be very ironic but also hilarious if my first tournament win of the comeback would be on clay.”
The French Open begins on May 26.
Source: www.dailysabah.com