Naomi Osaka returned to Wimbledon in 2025 with quiet confidence and fierce determination, earning back-to-back wins, debuting a refined on-court style, and pushing toward a career-best run on grass.

While her third-round exit ended hopes of a second-week breakthrough, the former World No. 1 showed flashes of her signature power and resilience in her first major stretch since becoming a mom.

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1. First‑Round Win vs. Talia Gibson (June 30)

Osaka steamed through 6‑4, 7‑6(4) after rallying from breaks in both sets with Australian player Talia Gibson, the world number 126, marking her second Wimbledon match win since 2018. She fired 18 winners and five aces.

"I think just making my match today, playing someone that I've never played before, and also getting over the first-round nerves was a little tricky," she told reporters. "I'm glad that I did it, and I hope that I have many more matches to come."

It marked an important step post‑maternity return, although grass remains her least successful Grand Slam surface.

"I know the grass season hasn't been particularly amazing for me this year, but I'm really happy with how much I fight every match. No matter what or no matter how I think I play, I feel like the mentality is pretty solid."

-Naomi Osaka

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2. Simplified On‑Court Style

Swapping her usual bold prints for a crisp white look, Osaka opted for a business‑focused style.

She famously vowed to treat every Grand Slam like her own personal Met Gala. However, Wimbledon is known for its strict all-white dress code.

“I was going to do something, but then I felt really embarrassed, 'cause I always kind of have to hype myself up, or I think that I'm doing too much,” Osaka told reporters. “Since it's Wimbledon and I haven't really seen anyone doing anything, I felt like I was being the extra one again.”

3. Second‑Round Sweep of Katerina Siniakova (July 2)

Osaka cruised to a 6‑3, 6‑2 victory over the Czech player Katerina Siniakova, finally stepping into the third round—her best Wimbledon run since 2018.

Her next match to follow would be with former World No. 11 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who topped No. 31 seed Ashlyn Krueger.

"I think in today's match I did play very controlled, and I was quite happy with that," Osaka said post-match. "I think I'm also finding my game a lot better on grass. I don't feel as rushed as I used to."

4. Coaching Support

Coached by Patrick Mouratoglou, Osaka continues leaning on his guidance as she transitions her hard‑court game onto grass. Mouratoglou used to be Serena Williams' former coach.

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5. Stakes & Significance

A breakthrough into the second week (Round of 16) would be Osaka’s deepest Wimbledon run ever, as she’s never advanced past the third round.

A strong performance here could push her back toward a top‑50 ranking and potential seeding at the US Open.

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6. 3rd Round Loss (July 4)

Naomi Osaka had a three-set defeat to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, with Pavlyuchenkova taking the win in the fourth round with a 3-6 6-4 6-4.

In the next round, Pavlyuchenkova will face off against Diane Parry or Sonay Kartal.