OSAKA'S BOLD MOVE PAYS DIVIDENDS TO CONCLUDE FOUR-YEAR TITLE DROUGHT

Naomi Osaka pictured at the Madrid Open. (Getty/Jose Breton)

For the first time since the 2021 Australian Open, former world No.1 Naomi Osaka has secured a title after a turbulent few seasons.

The four-time Slam champion took care of business against Kaja Juvan to record a 6-1 7-5 victory at France's L'Open 35 de Saint Malo event.

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It also marks her first tour trophy since temporarily stepping away from tennis due to maternity over two years ago. It is also her maiden title on clay.

Osaka's appearance at the lower-tier WTA event was a bold move considering she would only gain 125 ranking points if successful, but the Japanese starlet was chasing more matches under her belt after an early first-round exit at the Madrid 1000 tournament.

"Kinda ironic to win my first trophy back on the surface that I thought was my worst," she shared on X with her holding the trophy.

"That's one of my favourite things about life though, there's always room to grow and evolve."

The 27-year-old, ranked 53rd in the live rankings, will partake in the main draw of the French Open at the end of May.

Injury setbacks since Osaka's return to the tour have halted her comeback.

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