Naomi Osaka vs Paula Badosa Preview & Prediction | 2025 Italian Open | Second Round

Naomi Osaka locks horns with Paula Badosa in a heavyweight second round clash in Rome.

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time: Thursday 8th May, 2025: UK – not before 10am / US ET – not before 5am / US PT – not before 2am

Venue: Foro Italico, Rome, Italy

Surface: Outdoor clay

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / US – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Naomi Osaka vs Paula Badosa ticket information

Naomi Osaka vs Paula Badosa prediction

Naomi Osaka stormed back into the world’s top 50 with a clay title at the Saint Malo 125 and will be full of confidence heading into a blockbuster second round showdown with Paula Badosa. 

The Japanese is well aware this is her weakest surface but looked on song as she eased past wildcard Sara Errani 6-2 6-3 in the first round. 

Badosa should offer a significantly bigger threat, although this is the Spaniard’s first outing on the dirt this year. 

The ninth seed is featuring in Rome for just the fourth time, but she does have a solid 8-3 record at the tournament and her greater clay-court pedigree makes it tough to make a convincing case for Osaka to prevail in what could be a fabulous watch. 

Naomi Osaka vs Paula Badosa tip: Over 2.5 sets