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Naomi Osaka is One Win from First Championship in 4 Years

Naomi Osaka is one match away from winning the WTA 125 Saint-Malo.
Pat Benson|
Naomi Osaka has advanced to the WTA 125 Saint-Malo final.
Naomi Osaka has advanced to the WTA 125 Saint-Malo final. | IMAGO / PsnewZ

Not many active players on the WTA Tour have received more criticism and faced more doubt than Naomi Osaka.

Over the past few years, a growing number of fans have begun questioning Osaka's commitment to tennis.

After this past week, no one can deny the four-time Grand Slam champion is completely serious about returning to her old form. Osaka has swallowed her pride and competed in the WTA 125 Saint-Malo.

Osaka will face the winner of Viktorija Golubic and Kaja Juvan in the final on Sunday, May 4. If Osaka wins the final, it will be her first tournament championship since the 2021 Australian Open.

Unfortunately, it will not count toward her seven WTA Tour-level singles titles. WTA 125 tournaments are designated as Challenger events, and they are not officially considered WTA Tour titles.

Osaka has only won one WTA 125 title, which was at the Hua Hin Championship in 2015.

Challengers are a long way from Grand Slams, but Osaka should be commended for taking the steps necessary to improve her game. So far this season, Osaka has a singles record of 9-4and is the WTA World No. 55.

Osaka is expected to continue her clay court campaign at the Italian Open next week and then the French Open later this month.

Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Serve On SI for all of your tennis news from the court and beyond.

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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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