French Open 2024: I didn't realise I could play Iga Swiatek, says Naomi Osaka after first-round win over Lucia Bronzetti

Updated 26/05/2024 at 15:46 GMT

Naomi Osaka has admitted that she "didn't really know" she could play world No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open in her next match. The Japanese returned to Roland-Garros with a win over Lucia Bronzetti after missing the 2023 event due to pregnancy. She could play Swiatek in the second round if the top seed beats Leolia Jeanjean on Monday.

'I didn't know I would play Swiatek!' - Osaka laughs at not realising draw

Naomi Osaka has revealed that she did not realise that she could face Iga Swiatek in the second round of the French Open.

The Japanese player returned to Roland-Garros in winning fashion as she opened play on Court Philippe-Chatrier against Lucia Bronzetti, triumphing over the Italian in three sets, 6-1 4-6 7-5.

It was Osaka's first win in Paris since 2021, after she lost to Amanda Anisimova in the first round in 2022, and was absent in 2023 due to pregnancy.

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Now, the world No. 134 could face the top seed Swiatek in the second round at Roland-Garros, should the Pole come through her match against the unseeded Leolia Jeanjean on Monday.

Speaking at her post-match press conference, Osaka admitted that she had not realised playing Swiatek was a possibility.

"Honestly, I didn't really know, but then after, I was, like, 'Why does everyone keep asking me about this draw?'," Osaka explained.

"Then I knew that I was in the top half, so jokingly, I was, like, 'Well, it's not like I'm playing Iga.' Then everyone got quiet, and I was like, 'Oh.'"

French Open highlights - Osaka battles past Bronzetti in three tough sets

The head-to-head is 1-1 between the pair, with Swiatek comprehensively winning their last meeting - in the Miami Open final in 2022 - 6-4 6-0.

Osaka won their other encounter - in the last 16 in Toronto in 2019 - 7-6(4) 6-4.

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, spoke of her excitement at a possible match-up with Swiatek, who has won this tournament three times.

"I'm honestly really excited," she said.

"I watched her a lot when I was pregnant. Honestly, I think it's an honour to play her in the French Open, because she's won more than once here. It's a very big honour and challenge for me."