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Key Points

Naomi Osaka claimed her first WTA title since returning from maternity leave, winning the L'Open 35 De Saint Malo. The victory marks her first clay court title and eighth career singles trophy. Osaka, now ranked 48th, is set to compete in the upcoming French Open. The former world No. 1 made her comeback this season after giving birth in 2023.

Key Points: Naomi Osaka Wins First WTA Title Since Maternity Break in France

  • Osaka defeats Kaja Juvan 6-1, 7-5 in final
  • First title since 2021 Australian Open
  • Climbs to WTA rank 48
  • Eyes French Open return
2 min read

Naomi Osaka captures first WTA title since maternity break in France

Naomi Osaka triumphs at L'Open 35 De Saint Malo, securing her first WTA title since maternity leave and first clay court victory.

"This victory in France marks Osaka's first clay title win and eighth singles title of her career. – Olympics.com"

Saint Malo, May 4

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka secured her first WTA Tour level title since her maternity break, bagging the L'Open 35 De Saint Malo in France on Sunday.

The four-time Grand Slam champion secured the WTA 125 title, defeating Slovenia's unseeded Kaja Juvan 6-1, 7-5 in the final on Sunday. The second-seeded star did face any seeded player on her road to the title, as per Olympics.com.

This victory in France marks Osaka's first clay title win and eighth singles title of her career, having also won two Australian Open and two US Open crowns each. This is 27-year-old's first title since her previous major win, the 2021 Australian Open win.

The former world number one will be now rising to 48 in the WTA Rankings on Monday, which will be her best in last three months. She will also be the main draw during the upcoming grand slam event, the French Open, starting from May 25 onwards.

Osaka gave birth to her daughter in July 2023. Following this, she made her return to the WTA Tour at the start of the 2024 season after spending time away from the game since September 2022.

The two-time Olympian was the final torchbearer at her home Games in Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021), and featured in Paris 2024 Olympics where she made the first round.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
What an inspiring comeback! As a tennis fan from India, I've always admired Osaka's mental strength. Coming back after maternity break and winning on clay - which wasn't even her best surface - shows true champion mentality. Hope she does well in French Open! 🇮🇳🎾
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Priya M.
So happy for Naomi! Her journey is motivational for all working mothers. Though I wish Indian players got more coverage like this - our women athletes deserve similar attention when they make comebacks after breaks.
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Ankit S.
Great achievement, but let's be honest - this was a WTA 125 event. The real test will be at Roland Garros against top-10 players. Still, good momentum builder before French Open. Hope she can challenge Swiatek on clay!
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Sanjana R.
As someone who took a career break after having baby, this hits different! 💖 The pressure to perform immediately after comeback must be insane. Respect to all athlete moms balancing sports and parenting. Maybe Osaka can inspire more Indian women to return to sports after motherhood.
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Vikram J.
Remember when she lit the Olympic flame in Tokyo? That was iconic! Now winning after becoming mom - Osaka keeps making history. Tennis needs more personalities like her. Hope she gets wildcard for Paris Olympics too!

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