Naomi Osaka, a four-time major champion, says she is “learning a lot of lessons” as a mother and expects to use these skills to win the French Open.

The 26-year-old Japanese athlete has reunited with her 10-month-old daughter Shai in Paris following a five-week separation during the European clay-court season.

Osaka agreed when asked if being a competent clay-court player required the same traits as being a mother—patience, resilience, and adaptability.

“That’s a funny question, but I believe mums must be all those things,” remarked the former world number one. “Some folks are just naturally like that.

“But for me, I am learning many lessons through motherhood, and I hope I can remember to apply them on the tennis court.”

On being reunited with Shai, she added: “Being apart from her was extremely difficult, but I contacted her every day.

“I observed how well she was doing and how happy she was, which also made me happy.

“She walked for the first time yesterday, which delighted me quite. It’s awesome to have her here.”

Osaka has won all of her major titles on hard courts, including the US Open in 2018 and 2020 and the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021.

On Roland Garros clay, Osaka has never advanced beyond the round of 32.

Osaka, who returned from maternity leave in January,