Naomi Osaka breaks down and leaves press – Sports News
Naomi Osaka’s return to the French Open resulted in heartbreak on Monday because the four-time Grand Slam champion misplaced within the first spherical and broke down in tears during her post-match press convention.
The 27-year outdated was defeated by world No. 10 Paula Badosa, who just lately gave an replace on her health in a three-set battle, 7-6(1), 1-6, 4-6, committing 54 unforced errors within the course of. The match marked one other early exit at Roland Garros for Osaka, who has by no means superior previous the third spherical in Paris.
American star Emma Navarro was additionally knocked out in a first spherical upset, whereas the draw has given Coco Gauff a increase. But Osaka, who just lately leapfrogged Emma Raducanu on this planet rankings, was leaft heartbroken to be heading home.
After the match, Osaka appeared visibly shaken as she addressed the media. At one level, she left the room in tears however returned briefly to reply two more questions.
“I hate disappointing people,” she stated. “Even with Patrick [Mouratoglou], I was thinking just now—he goes from working with like the greatest player ever to like, what the f— this is.”
Mouratoglou, who beforehand coached Serena Williams, started working with Osaka during her comeback.Osaka additionally admitted that handling losses has grow to be more and more troublesome. When requested if it was getting more durable to deal with defeat, she softly replied, “Yes,” earlier than elaborating, “I think as time goes on I feel like I should be doing better.”
The former world No. 1 has struggled to regain her type since returning to the tour in 2024 after taking your complete 2023 season off for maternity depart. Earlier this month, she received her first clay-court title on the L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo, raising hopes for a robust exhibiting at Roland Garros.
However, regardless of a promising begin, Osaka’s efficiency was marred by unforced errors and bodily discomfort, together with blisters on her fingers that required a medical timeout.
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Badosa, who has just lately returned to competitors after a back harm, credited her comeback to inspiration drawn from Rafael Nadal’s legacy at Roland Garros. “I looked at Rafa’s plaque and told myself to follow in his footsteps,” she stated. “I had to fight like him.”
Osaka’s emotional response on the press convention echoes her earlier struggles with mental health. In 2021, she withdrew from the French Open after being fined for skipping press obligations, citing long bouts of despair and anxiousness for the reason that 2018 US Open. Her choice sparked a world dialog about athletes’ mental health and the pressures of media obligations.
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