Naomi Osaka will start her clay journey at the 2024 Rouen Open as she accepted a wild card entry into the event, starting against Martina Trevisan in the first round.
It wasn't the plan for Osaka to start her clay season so early because she initially planned to do it in Madrid. That event plays rather quickly for a clay court because it's played at a high altitude, which makes the balls fly very fast, making it ideal conditions for the four-time major winner.
She was last in action for Japan in the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, playing some really solid tennis. That's a long journey to Europe, but hopefully, she won't struggle with fatigue. She's facing a former Roland Garros finalist, Martina Trevisan, in her first match, and that will certainly be a difficult challenge.
Osaka and Trevisan never played against each other, which isn't a huge surprise. The Italian became a consistent player in the past two years, which is the same period when the former world no. 1 hasn't played on the WTA Tour.
The last time Osaka stood on a clay tennis court was back in 2022 when she played at Roland Garros. That was a long time ago, but even then, Osaka admitted to wanting to do well on clay, and there is no reason to doubt her.
I think she can be pretty solid on the red dirt because, ultimately, it's about how well she can hit, and she can hit very well. Movement might be a problem early, but it will get better the more she plays on it.
While Trevisan is a former Roland Garros semi-finalist, she hasn't played on that level for a long time. Still, I think she'll be able to pull off the win here, mostly because Osaka hasn't played on clay in a very long time.
Prediction: Martina Trevisan to win in three sets.