Naomi Osaka’s impressive run at the Canadian Open ended with a loss in the final against Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, sparking controversy after Osaka’s brief and tense runner-up speech. The 27-year-old Japanese star, who was competing in her first WTA 1000 final since the 2022 Miami Open, didn’t congratulate Mboko during the trophy presentation, drawing criticism and prompting an apology from Osaka. Andy Roddick weighed in on the situation, emphasizing that Osaka’s play in the final set is a bigger concern than her remarks afterward.
Roddick noted that Osaka showed emotional strain after the tough defeat, explaining on his ‘Served podcast’ that mistakes in post-match speeches are understandable under pressure. He said,
“Here is the only mistake I think from the Osaka side. It’s that in that scenario, and I gave grace last week, it’s like someone’s worst day at work ever if you put a microphone in front of them they would say some regrettable s*** or not say enough good stuff,”
—Andy Roddick, Former Tennis Player and Commentator
He added that expecting perfection in such moments is unrealistic and highlighted that even in defeat, showing some grace can earn goodwill.
Roddick cited player Anisimova’s gracious response after a loss at Wimbledon as an example of how post-match demeanor can shape public perception, saying,
“If I’m in Osaka’s team I am not mad at you for saying what you said, or you didn’t say, I would be more concerned with how it got away in the third set.”
“And also next time we are in that situation it takes very little to get a lot of good will and credit in that scenario.”
—Andy Roddick, Former Tennis Player and Commentator
Naomi Osaka’s upcoming schedule and focus on the US Open
Following her runner-up finish in Montreal, Naomi Osaka was expected to compete at the Cincinnati Open but withdrew before the tournament began. It now appears that her next appearance will be at the US Open in New York, her favorite Grand Slam event. Osaka has a successful history at the US Open, having won the title twice.
Her first US Open triumph came in 2018, defeating Serena Williams and preventing Williams from equaling Margaret Court’s record of 24 major singles titles. Osaka captured her second US Open trophy in 2020 by overcoming Victoria Azarenka after trailing in the match.
Five years after her first major win, Osaka aims to reclaim the title, building on some recent momentum despite the painful loss in Montreal. Her focus now turns to preparing for this significant Grand Slam, where she has been a champion and a crowd favorite.