Naomi Osaka has just made career history, with the former WTA Tour number one winning her first-ever title on clay.
Osaka shocked tennis fans by entering the WTA 125 in Saint-Malo, having accepted a wildcard after losing at the Madrid Open.
Former WTA Tour number one Osaka lost her opening match in the Spanish capital, falling to Lucia Bronzetti.
But the four-time Grand Slam champion has bounced back immediately, with Osaka winning the tournament in Saint-Malo.
She was the second seed at the event, and beat Kaja Juvan 6-1, 7-5 in the final for the first WTA 125 title of her career.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesFormer WTA number one Naomi Osaka wins title on her ‘worst’ surface
It represents her first trophy since 2021 and first since having a child, with Osaka taking to social media shortly after to share her delight.
She wrote on Instagram: “Kinda ironic to win my first trophy back on the surface that I thought was my worst.
READ MORE: Naomi Osaka clinches long-awaited career milestone as she reenters the WTA top 50
“That’s one of my favorite things about life though, there’s always room to grow and evolve. Thanks to everyone accompanying me on this journey, I know it’s turbulent but it’s also really fun and I’m grateful.”
Patrick Mouratoglou and Boris Becker react after Naomi Osaka wins first clay title
Osaka has proven herself to be a real threat on every surface over the years, but she has undoubtedly shone brightest on hard courts.
The 27-year-old icon has four Grand Slam titles to her name so far, with all four having arrived on that surface.
READ MORE: Naomi Osaka’s coach says what she needs to do ‘much more’ often if she is going to return to her best level
And her latest success has now caught the attention of tennis legend Boris Becker, who wrote on X: “Welcome back Naomi!”
Her coach Patrick Mouratoglou meanwhile commented on her Instagram post with the words: “I am so proud of you!”
🎾👑 NAOMI OSAKA SACRÉE À SAINT-MALO ! 👑🎾
L’ex n°1 mondiale et quadruple championne du Grand Chelem remporte l’Open 35 de Saint-Malo 2025 🏆 pic.twitter.com/mCJ8pnSqA7
— L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo (@LOPEN35STMALO) May 4, 2025
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The triumph comes shortly before the clay season rapidly moves on to the likes of the Italian Open and French Open, with Osaka praised by Rennae Stubbs for having played at the lower-level event.
But it is the Australian Open and US Open where she has emerged victorious, with Osaka winning both on two occasions each.
AloJapan.com