Naomi Osaka’s attempt to secure her first WTA Tour-level title since 2021 ended in disappointment at the Canadian Open, where she lost to rising star Victoria Mboko in the final. The Japanese player, who had struggled with consistency throughout the season, showed signs of improvement by reaching the championship match held in Montreal but was ultimately unable to claim the trophy.
Osaka started strong, winning the opening set, but Mboko soon gained momentum, taking the second set 6-4 after leading 5-2. The teenager then dominated the final set, winning it decisively and claiming her first major title in her debut season. This victory marked a significant breakthrough for Mboko, who impressed by advancing through the draw and overcoming a four-time Grand Slam champion.
Criticism Surfaces Over Osaka’s Short Speech at Ceremony
After the final, during the trophy presentation, Naomi Osaka delivered a notably brief speech, which failed to acknowledge her opponent Victoria Mboko. Instead, Osaka simply thanked her team, organizers, ball kids, volunteers, and the audience. Her silence on congratulating Mboko drew negative reactions on social media and from tennis figures.
Brad Gilbert, a prominent coach and former player, weighed in on the issue through a post on X, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship. Gilbert noted that although Osaka struggles with social anxiety, she should have congratulated Mboko, especially since the younger player looked up to her and Osaka appeared to lose focus in the latter stages of the match. Gilbert stated,
“Especially one that looked up to you, not to mention you just let the last few games go in a final.” —Brad Gilbert, Coach
Osaka Explains Her Oversight in Post-Match Comments
In media interviews following the final, Naomi Osaka addressed the criticism regarding her speech. She acknowledged that she had simply forgotten to congratulate Mboko during the ceremony, explaining that her emotions had quickly shifted after the tough loss. Osaka expressed gratitude for reaching the final and praised her opponent’s performance.
According to the Montreal Gazette, Osaka said,
“This morning, I was very grateful,”
“I don’t know why my emotions slipped so quickly, but I’m really happy to have played the final.”
“I think Victoria played really well. I completely forgot to congratulate her on court. Yeah, she did really amazing.”
Her remarks conveyed a mix of respect for Mboko’s achievement and the emotional challenge she faced after the defeat.
Implications of the Episode for Osaka’s Season and Public Perception
The Naomi Osaka Canadian Open controversy highlights the pressures faced by one of tennis’s biggest stars as she strives to regain her top form. While the match loss adds to a difficult season marked by narrow defeats and self-confidence struggles, Osaka’s admission of forgetting to acknowledge her opponent reveals the mental strain athletes can endure during high-stakes moments.
With a young contender like Victoria Mboko making significant strides, the tournament underlined the sport’s changing landscape and the urgency for established champions to adapt. Osaka’s willingness to openly discuss her emotions may help fans and commentators better understand the challenges behind the scenes, as she continues to pursue success in upcoming events on the WTA Tour.