‘Never Really Gave Myself the Mindset’- Naomi Osaka Aims to Perform Well During Clay Season 2022

Naomi Osaka is set to make her comeback at the Indian Wells. However, instead of the hardcourt tournament, the former World No. 1 wants to focus on the clay-court season. Speaking to the press on the media day of the WTA 1000 BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells), Osaka emphasized the fact that she wants to focus on the clay-court season, a surface on which the Japanese have not been much successful.

Osaka first played in the main draw of a clay-court tournament in 2016 at the WTA 500 Charleston Open, losing in the first round. It was followed by a third-round loss at Roland Garros in the same year. Since then, even after repeated efforts, the Japanese have failed to make it big on the clay courts. However, Osaka still feels that she can do well on the red surface.

Osaka’s take on the clay court

Osaka is set to American player Sloane Stephens in the first round of the Indian Wells today, the 10th of March. However, instead of the match, her main focus is on the clay-court season. Speaking to the press, Osaka said, “I really want to focus on the clay season this year, I think I’ve always had a chance to do well in France, but I never really gave myself that mindset.”

Osaka has undoubtedly been a top-of-the-line, hard-court player. The list of her hardcourt achievements comprises of 2 Australian Open titles, 2 US Open titles, 2018 Indian Wells, 2019 China Open, and the 2019 Osaka Open.
However, she has struggled to bring in the same form on the clay court. Looking at the stats, her best result at the Roland Garros is the 3rd round in 2016, 2018, and 2019. That’s not all. In a WTA 1000 level clay-court tournament, Osaka’s best record in the quarterfinals of Madrid and Rome, both in 2019. Further, in the WTA 500 level clay-court tournaments, Osaka’s best result came at the 2019 Stuttgart Open, where she reached the semifinals.

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Osaka’s run at this year’s clay-court season is still unknown. However, looking at the positive side, by this statement, the former World No. 1 has given confirmation of her participation in the clay-court season.

Naomi Osaka in 2022

Osaka has just played two tournaments since the start of the 2022 season. She started her year at the WTA 250 Melbourne Summer Set 1. Winning the first three rounds, Osaka reached the semifinals. However, she was forced to withdraw before the start of the match after suffering an abdominal injury. Recovering from the injury, she entered the Australian Open. However, the 2-time Australian champion failed to repeat the history, suffering a third-round loss to Amanda Anisimova.

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After being on a break since the Australian Open, Osaka has finally made a comeback on the tour. The Japanese star will be eyeing her second title at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Osaka will start the tournament campaign facing American Sloane Stephens in her opening round match.