Naomi Osaka Wins First WTA Title Since Maternity Break in France

Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, secured her first WTA title since her maternity break by winning the L'Open 35 De Saint Malo in France, defeating Kaja Juvan 6-1, 7-5 in the final. This marks Osaka's first career title on clay and her eighth singles title overall. The victory boosts her WTA ranking to No. 48, her highest in three months, as she prepares for the upcoming French Open. Osaka returned to professional tennis at the start of the 2024 season after giving birth to her daughter in July 2023, overcoming recent injuries and inconsistency. She chose to compete in a lower-tier tournament after an early exit in Madrid, gaining confidence and match wins on her comeback. Osaka's strategy mirrors that of other players who have successfully returned from maternity breaks, and her recent performance signals a promising resurgence in her career.