Naomi Osaka Faces Sara Errani in Rome Opener
Naomi Osaka will take on Sara Errani in the opening round of the WTA Italian Open 2025. Osaka recently ended a four-year title drought by capturing the WTA 125 title at L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo, her first tournament win since the 2021 Australian Open. A former world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, Osaka has struggled in recent years but appears to be regaining form in 2025.
Errani enters the main draw as a wildcard. While she’s a decorated doubles player, boasting five Grand Slam titles, a 2024 Olympic gold medal with Jasmine Paolini, and the WTA Doubles Team of the Year award, her singles performances this season have been modest. With her primary focus on doubles, Errani faces a tough challenge against Osaka looking to build momentum on the comeback trail.
Naomi Osaka leads the head-to-head against Sara Errani 2–0. The Italian Open marks their third meeting, with Errani aiming for her first win over Osaka, while Osaka looks to extend her head-to-head dominance.
Their first meeting came at the 2016 Miami Open, where Osaka cruised to a straight-sets victory. Eight years later, they faced off again at the 2024 Indian Wells, and once more, Osaka proved too strong, sealing another straight-sets win.
| Year | Event | Round | Winner | Score |
| 2024 | Indian Wells | Round of 128 | Naomi Osaka | 6–3, 6–1 |
| 2016 | Miami | Round of 64 | Naomi Osaka | 6–1, 6–3 |
| Naomi Osaka | Category | Sara Errani |
| 48 | Ranking | 177 |
| 301-171 | Career W-L | 689-514 |
| 14-5 | YTD W-L | 2-7 |
| 7 | Career Titles | 9 |
| 4 | Grand Slams | 0 |
| 0 | YTD Titles | 0 |
Given their 2025 form and overall career records, Naomi Osaka enters as the favorite against Sara Errani. While the 38-year-old Italian holds the edge on clay and has deep experience on the surface, her recent singles results have been modest.
Osaka, on the other hand, is gaining momentum this season with improved performances and a recent title win, and if she maintains her rhythm, she’s likely to come through despite clay not being her strongest surface.
Prediction: Naomi Osaka in straight sets
Read More: 2025 WTA Italian Open in Rome: A Look at the Top 4 Seeds and Their Paths to the Final
Naomi Osaka: 1/9
Sara Errani: 23/4
Also Read: 2025 ATP Italian Open in Rome: A Look at the Top-4 Seeds and Intriguing Match-Ups En Route to Finals
