A first career victory over a top-20 player on clay. In heavy and slow conditions. In a match that was suspended for about an hour because of rain.

Naomi Osaka couldn’t be happier with her progress at the Italian Open, where she beat 20th-ranked Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-2 on Thursday to follow up another straight-set win a day earlier.

More importantly, Osaka is in a good place mentally after returning to the tour from maternity leave that resulted in her missing all of 2023.

“I don’t know why, but today I just woke up very peaceful,” Osaka said. “I just feel like, no matter what happens on the court, nothing will change for me off the court. Like, my daughter will still love me. I have so many people around me. … I think maybe that showed today. I hope that mentality stays and continues.”

Osaka revealed issues with depression and anxiety when she withdrew from the French Open in 2021. She later took extended breaks from the game to protect her mental health. This year’s French Open starts in less than three weeks.

“I’m just really excited to learn more about clay-court (tennis) and develop and go to Paris,” Osaka said. “Shai (her daughter) is coming to Paris, so that’s something that’s keeping me very happy.”