Osaka: "I don't have too much ego to not play ITF tournaments"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 7 May 2025 | 17.23

Osaka: "I don't have so much ego as to not play ITF tournaments". Photo: Getty

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Naomi Osaka has climbed steps in terms of her potential on clay after lifting her first trophy on the surface last Sunday in Saint Malo. The Japanese, ranked 48th in the world, made her debut at WTA Rome 2025 with a comfortable victory over Sara Errani to set up a second-round clash with Paula Badosa in what promises to be a great match if the issues do not reappear for the Spaniard. During the press conference, Naomi reviewed her recent triumph and made her intentions clear on her return to the circuit after becoming a mother.

"Obviously, I would have been very disappointed to lose in the first round. I guess people would say if I hadn't won the trophy... There are many things that could have happened. I just wanted to focus on tennis, I wanted to gain experience on clay. I don't have such a big ego as to not play in those kinds of tournaments. I've always told people that I didn't mind playing on court 16 if I had to. The reason I came back wasn't to play on center courts all the time, but because I really enjoy the game. I just want to see what I'm capable of doing," said the Japanese player to the media.

Her triumph in Saint Malo

"Going there is something I didn't expect, because I told everyone that I would only play Madrid and Rome. Obviously, I lost in the first round of Madrid and Patrick suggested going there. I knew I needed matches anyway, so that's how it came about. I'm very happy that I ended up going there. I wondered if it would have been better after Madrid to go see my daughter very quickly instead of playing the tournament. It's funny, sometimes you don't think about tennis at all when you're playing."

A different clay court season

"This clay court season is different because I come in with a lot more wins. I feel much more comfortable on clay, but that's also because of my experience from last year. I was lucky to play some very good matches on clay last year. I keep that in mind when I play. It's a combination of all that."

The disappointment of defeats

"The only times I feel disappointed when I lose is when I know I haven't given it my all or that I've mentally given up. From that moment, I promised myself that I would give 100% no matter what because it didn't make sense to play matches or train, it would be a waste of time for everyone. There are people with me and I value their time. I know I want to make the most of it. I think a lot about things. I try to think about every scenario five different times."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Osaka: "No tengo tanto ego como para no jugar torneos ITF"