As teasing as ever, Osaka quipped: "It would still be very ironic if the first tournament I won after becoming a mother was on clay."

Back in action since January, Osaka continues her campaign to return to the top level. The former world number 1, winner of 4 Grand Slams, knows this very well. She still has a lot of work to do. That said, it's not something that seems to worry her.

After an easy first match win (6-4, 6-1 over Minnen), the Japanese took advantage of her press appearance to ironically comment on her aversion to playing on clay: "It would be very ironic, but also very funny, if the first tournament I won after becoming a mother was on clay (her worst surface). Every tournament I play, I want to win. I know the results so far haven't shown that, but I really believe that something will eventually click, and when it does, I think I'll be really good. But for now, I'm going to stay as humble as possible. I'm happy to be taking part in this tournament and playing against the best players in the world, I learn from them every day".

Naomi's triumph in Madrid did not come to pass, however, as she was defeated in the second round by Liudmila Samsonova, ranked 17th in the world, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.