During her first-round match against Paula Badosa at the 2025 French Open on May 26, 2025, Naomi Osaka sparked buzz and amusement when she used a medical timeout after winning a tight first set 7-6(1) to clip her cherry blossom-themed nails. The four-time Grand Slam champion, dressed in a vibrant pink sakura-inspired Nike outfit, called for the physio at the start of the second set, not only to address blisters on her fingers but also to trim her decorative nails, which were causing discomfort during play. This unusual move drew widespread attention, with social media posts and commentators like Laura Robson on TNT Sports noting the rarity of such an on-court adjustment. “The pain and beauty of long nails 😭😭😭,” wrote @TennisLetter on X, while @republic_sports highlighted the ridicule from fans.
Match Context and Outcome
Osaka, ranked No. 49, faced No. 10 seed Badosa in a highly anticipated clash on Court Philippe-Chatrier. After dominating the first-set tiebreak, Osaka’s nail-trimming and finger-taping during the medical timeout did not prevent a dramatic collapse. Badosa, battling her own recurrent back injury, stormed through the second set 6-1 and overcame an early break in the decider to win 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4. Osaka, visibly emotional, broke down in tears during her press conference, expressing frustration at disappointing her team, including coach Patrick Mouratoglou, and her fans. “I hate disappointing people,” she said, per The Athletic, reflecting on her struggle to regain her peak form post-maternity break.
Osaka’s Clay Journey and Reaction
Osaka’s 2025 clay season showed progress, with a WTA 125 title in Saint-Malo and a fourth-round run at the Italian Open, but her 0-3 Roland Garros record against top-10 players remains a hurdle. She cited blisters from clay’s friction as a recurring issue, stating, “Since Rome, I have had blisters on my hands,” per BBC Sport. Despite the loss, Osaka’s nail-clipping tactic became a lighthearted talking point, with @htTweets quipping, “Fashion first I guess.” Her sakura-themed attire, complete with floral hair ties and earrings, underscored her flair, but the defeat highlighted ongoing challenges on clay.
Connections to Broader French Open Narratives
Osaka’s moment ties into the 2025 French Open’s themes of resilience and scrutiny. Emma Raducanu’s scheduling complaints and physical struggles against Iga Swiatek, Paula Badosa’s back injury recovery, and Elena Rybakina’s early scare mirror Osaka’s battle to balance health and performance. Taylor Fritz’s revenue share advocacy and Coco Gauff’s bold predictions reflect players pushing boundaries, while off-court stories like Jack Grealish’s transfer rumors and Luke Littler’s darts chase parallel Osaka’s high-profile pressures. Her emotional press conference also recalled her 2021 French Open withdrawal over mental health concerns, underscoring her ongoing journey.
