Naomi Osaka is entering the 2024 French Open with a renewed sense of confidence that could make her a serious contender in Paris.

 

After taking a step back from the sport to focus on her mental health and personal growth, Osaka has returned with a fresh perspective and a clear vision of her goals. This newfound confidence is evident not only in her attitude but also in the way she has approached her game and her mindset heading into the prestigious tournament.

Osaka’s mental strength has always been one of her defining characteristics. Throughout her career, she’s faced immense pressure on the court and outside of it, yet she’s consistently shown resilience. Her ability to perform on the biggest stages—winning two US Open titles and one Australian Open—has demonstrated that she has the composure to thrive in high-stress situations. Now, with a more balanced outlook, she seems to have shed some of the pressure that once weighed her down, focusing on the enjoyment of the game rather than external expectations.

Ahead of the French Open, Osaka has been vocal about her renewed sense of purpose. In interviews, she’s expressed that her focus is no longer solely on winning but on enjoying the process and embracing the challenge of each match. This mental shift could be crucial on the clay courts of Roland Garros, where the slower surface traditionally favors players with more patience and consistency. While clay hasn’t been her strongest surface in the past, Osaka has been working hard to adapt her game, fine-tuning her movement and rallying skills to take on the demands of longer rallies and more physical play.

Her powerful groundstrokes, especially her forehand, remain a key weapon, and she has proven in the past that her game can translate well to a variety of surfaces. There’s no doubt that if she can execute her aggressive, baseline-focused style while maintaining composure, she will be a tough player to beat.

With a stronger sense of self and a clear mental focus, Osaka enters the French Open with a calm yet determined confidence. She’s no longer just chasing titles; she’s embracing the challenge of being her best self on the court. If this new mindset continues to fuel her game, Osaka could make a deep run in Paris and possibly add another Grand Slam to her impressive resume.