Four times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka said this year’s clay court swing feels different as she enters it with momentum, having picked up wins and confidence in the recent weeks.
Osaka beat Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan 6-1 7-5 last week in the final of the L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo, a WTA 125 tournament, to win her first clay-court title at any level. It was also her first WTA title since becoming a mother in July 2023.
“I wanted to rack up experience on clay. I didn’t really have too much of an ego playing that tournament,” Osaka told reporters after defeating wild card Sara Errani 6-2 6-3 in the first round of the Italian Open on Wednesday.
“I’m okay playing on Court 16 if I have to anyways. The reason I came back wasn’t to play on center courts all the time, it’s because I really enjoy the game.”
Osaka said her decision to drop down to play in Saint-Malo was inspired by American great Andre Agassi, who rebuilt his career in the late 1990s by competing on the ATP Challenger Tour.
“I remember reading (Agassi’s) book. There was a moment where... he was saying he was flipping his own scoreboards. Someone came and yelled, ‘Image is everything!’ I would say that section of the book crossed my mind more,” she said.
The former world number one has often struggled on clay, having never gone past the third round at the French Open, where she is set to feature in the main draw later this month. Osaka plays ninth seed Paula Badosa in the Italian Open on Thursday.
“I feel like clay is very strength-reliant,” Osaka said.
“It’s something that I prioritized this year and I think it’s working. I’m going to keep pushing forward that way. I’ll let you know what happens in Roland Garros.”
Osaka inspired by Agassi’s comeback as she embraces clay court grind
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Osaka inspired by Agassi’s comeback as she embraces clay court grind
- “I’m okay playing on Court 16 if I have to anyways. The reason I came back wasn’t to play on center courts all the time, it’s because I really enjoy the game“
- Osaka beat Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan 6-1 7-5 last week in the final of the L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo
Strong international field joins Fleetwood and McIlroy at Dubai Invitational
- Former Masters champions Danny Willett and Patrick Reed will make their tournament debuts at Dubai Creek Club from Jan. 15-18
D
UBAI: With just a week to go until the Dubai Invitational, defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and five-time Major champion Rory McIlroy are set to be joined by a world-class field of Major Champions, Ryder Cup stars and DP World Tour winners.
Former Masters champions Danny Willett and Patrick Reed will both make their tournament debuts when the opening event of the Race to Dubai’s International Swing tees off at Dubai Creek Resort. The event runs from Jan. 15-18.
Reed claimed his Major breakthrough at the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National, while Willett secured his Green Jacket two years earlier in 2016.
Three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington adds further pedigree to the field. The Irishman won consecutive Open Championships in 2007 and 2008 before claiming the 2008 PGA Championship.
Dubai resident Paul Waring will make just his second start since July following his return from injury. The Englishman, who won the 2024 Abu Dhabi Championship, will be eager to impress on home soil as he continues his comeback.
2023 DP World Tour Championship winner Nicolai Hojgaard is also confirmed, along with a plethora of DP World Tour winners including Matteo Manassero, Tom McKibbin, David Puig, Dubai-based Thorbjorn Olesen, Matt Wallace, Eugenio Chacarra, Niklas Norgaard and the UAE’s own Adrian Otaegui.
They join previously announced stars including former Open Champions Shane Lowry and Francesco Molinari, as well as Ryan Fox and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
Away from the on-course action, the tournament will feature a range of food and entertainment options in the Championship Village, while the Chipping Challenge offers visitors the chance to show off their precision and technique.
The Dubai Invitational is played concurrently with a three-day Pro-Am team event, with Sunday featuring professionals only. The bi-annual event consists of 60 professional DP World Tour golfers and 60 amateur golfers. General admission is free of charge.
