Naomi Osaka Impresses in Intense French Open Match Against Iga Swiatek

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka gave a stellar performance in her second-round match at the 2024 French Open, pushing world No. 1 Iga Swiatek to the limit. Despite the clay court not being her preferred surface, Osaka demonstrated her prowess, taking the second set 6-1 after losing the first set in a tiebreak.

The match was marked by intense competition, with Osaka leading 5-2 in the third set before Swiatek mounted a comeback to win 7-5. Swiatek’s victory extended her Roland Garros winning streak to 16 matches, as she seeks her third consecutive French Open title.

Osaka’s performance was a significant indicator of her return to form after maternity leave. She reached match point at 5-3 in the third set but missed crucial backhands that Swiatek converted into a break point. Despite the loss, Osaka reflected positively on her match, noting her improvement and the dream of competing against Swiatek while she was pregnant last year.

Osaka’s serves reached speeds of up to 122 MPH, and she won 92 of the 139 points that lasted four or less strokes, finishing with a 54-37 advantage on winners. Her comments post-match highlighted her resilience and determination not to be too hard on herself, especially considering she was playing on Swiatek’s favored surface.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin, and Ons Jabeur also advanced to the third round, each securing their spots with impressive performances.