Athletes can put a lot of pressure on themselves, especially after they lose. Naomi Osaka had a heartbreaking first-round match on day two of the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros Stadium against Paula Badosa of Spain on Monday, and she wore her emotions on her sleeve during a post-match press conference, negatively comparing herself to Serena Williams.
After a strong start, Osaka, who is ranked #49 in the world, lost 6-7 (1), 6-1, and 6-4 against Badosa, ranked #10. At the press conference, her eyes welled up as she talked about her performance. “I feel like I should be doing better," she told reporters.
The 27-year-old has opened up in the past about how she hates "disappointing" people. "I kind of talked about this before, maybe a couple of years ago, or maybe recently, I’m not sure - I hate disappointing people,” the four-time Grand Slam trophy winner said.
It was not just the fans; Osaka felt like she was disappointing her current coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, who coached Serena Williams. The emotions were so real she even cussed, which can result in a fine. “He goes from working with, like, the greatest player ever to, like, ‘What the f**k is this?’ You know what I mean? Sorry for cursing. I hope I don’t get fined," she said.
Osaka then abruptly left the conference but returned shortly after and answered two more questions. The tennis professional has been open in the past about her struggles with anxiety and depression.
While Osaka was once ranked #1, there's been something about the French Open that has continued to deter her, and she has never made it past the third round. She has not made it past the third round of a major since she returned to the WTA Tour following the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023.
One of the reasons why she lost could be the red clay of Roland-Garros, which has left her with blisters. Similar to the ones that bothered her at the Italian Open earlier this month.
Osaka called a medical time-out and was treated by a trainer for hand blisters after the opening set. "Since Rome, I have had blisters on my hands. I think it's from the friction of clay because I don't have blisters on any other surface," Osaka said
While she didn't win the match, she may have taken home the title of best dressed. Her all-pink Nike look was a crowd favorite, and she looked amazing. She even had sakura-themed nails, which she trimmed during the set, making for a viral moment.
Whatever happens, fans are still rooting for Osaka.