Naomi Osaka’s 2025 Italian Open campaign ended abruptly in the third round on May 11, 2025, as the former world number one succumbed to a straight-sets defeat in Rome, while tennis enthusiasts eagerly await the return of top seed Jannik Sinner. The tournament, a key clay-court event leading into the French Open, has drawn significant attention as players vie for form and momentum on the red dirt.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, faced a formidable opponent in the third round, losing 6-4, 6-3 to a higher-ranked player in a match that exposed her ongoing challenges on clay. The 27-year-old Japanese star, who returned to competitive tennis in 2024 after maternity leave, struggled with consistency, committing 28 unforced errors and failing to convert any of her five break points. Despite flashes of her trademark power, particularly in her forehand, Osaka could not counter her opponent’s precise groundstrokes and tactical play. The defeat marks her second consecutive early exit in Rome, where she has yet to advance beyond the fourth round in her career.
Osaka’s performance reflects her broader 2025 season, which has seen a steady climb back to the top 20 after a 15-month hiatus. Her run to the Miami Open semifinals in March showcased her potential, but clay remains her least successful surface, with only 12 wins in 30 career matches. Post-match, Osaka expressed optimism, noting improvements in her movement and commitment to refining her game ahead of Roland Garros, where she reached the third round in 2024. Her focus on physical conditioning and mental resilience, honed through recent coaching changes, has been praised by analysts, though her clay-court adaptation remains a work in progress.
Meanwhile, the Italian Open has shifted focus to Jannik Sinner, the world number one and home favorite, who is set to return after withdrawing from the Madrid Open due to a hip injury. Sinner, the 2025 Australian Open champion, is scheduled to play his opening match on May 13, with fans hopeful he can replicate his 2024 Rome semifinal run. His recovery has been closely monitored, as a strong performance could solidify his French Open title contender status. The 23-year-old Italian, with a 28-2 record in 2025, faces pressure to deliver in front of a passionate home crowd, especially after Carlos Alcaraz’s second-round upset earlier in the tournament.
The women’s draw, now without Osaka, remains competitive, with top seeds like Iga Swiatek advancing, while the men’s field is wide open following early exits of key players. The Italian Open, with its €8 million prize purse, continues to serve as a critical barometer for Roland Garros form, with Sinner’s return adding intrigue to an already unpredictable tournament.